Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Sumter, SC: $32.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Sumter, SC runs $32.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,365 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Sumter's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,417 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sumter, South Carolina, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to stand at $32.39 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $38.16 per hour. This rate offers a distinct picture for part-time professionals and per-diem workers. For those operating in settings like hospital nutrition consult rounds, outpatient clinic counseling, or school district food services, the hourly income supports a flexible work lifestyle. Moreover, the salary range for these professionals varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $21.93 and top earners making as much as $43.49 per hour. Individuals leveraging their skills for part-time commitments of three days a week can expect their pay to correspond to the local market dynamics, which is shaped both by demand and the overall cost of living in Sumter.
About the Sumter Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.93 | $175.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.26 | $218.11 |
| Median (P50) | $32.39 | $259.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.95 | $303.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.49 | $347.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sumter
Based on $32.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.39/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sumter, SC can expect to earn approximately $67,362 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,863. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sumter.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sumter
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,295.43 | $5,614 | $67,362 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $777.26 | $3,368 | $40,417 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.17 | $2,245 | $26,945 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Sumter) | $32.39 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Health Education Specialist (National Avg) | $31.83 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.60 |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Sumter, SC earn a median of $67,365 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.14% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.80% below the South Carolina state average of $70,761.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.39/hr = $40,417/year (purchasing power: $44,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,362/year (purchasing power: $73,620).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Sumter grew 24.7% from $25.00/hr (2019) to $31.17/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.65/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dietitians and nutritionists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sumter metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.90% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dietitian and Nutritionist in Sumter
Considering the per-diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Sumter, those who work on a flexible schedule may find themselves significantly better compensated than their full-time counterparts. On average, a dietitian and nutritionist working 24 hours a week, based on an hourly rate of $32.39, would see their annual take-home lag behind a full-time salary. For many professionals, the allure of per-diem work means billing rates often range from $50 to $80 per hour for general services, and can exceed $150 per hour for specialized sports nutrition consulting. However, this flexibility comes with trade-offs, as many find that consistently lower hourly wages in stable positions provide valuable benefits like health insurance. Negotiating these terms is crucial; understanding local employer types—from long-term care facilities to corporate wellness programs—can shape a professional's decision. Therefore, many dietitians consider their options carefully, balancing short-term gains against long-term job security and benefits, a strategy that aligns well within the evolving landscape of nutrition careers in SC.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Sumter in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Sumter?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dietitians and nutritionists in Sumter. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sumter is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.90%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dietitian and nutritionists (SOC 29-1031).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov