Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Aberdeen, SD: $33.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Aberdeen, SD runs $33.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,005 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Aberdeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,999 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay reflects both local demand and the broader economic context. The median hourly wage stands at $33.65, which is notably lower than the national median of $38.16. For those working part-time, such as in outpatient clinics or long-term care facilities, this means an income of around $26,800 annually for a 24-hour workweek, which can provide a reasonable supplement for individuals balancing other commitments. Per diem practitioners in Aberdeen can also earn significantly more; they typically charge anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour, especially in specialized settings like sports nutrition consulting or private practice. The hourly earnings in this field range from $22.68 for entry-level roles to $43.78 for those with more experience or specialization, offering a clear trajectory for career advancement.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.68 | $181.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.25 | $226.00 |
| Median (P50) | $33.65 | $269.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.41 | $315.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.78 | $350.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aberdeen
Based on $33.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.65/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aberdeen, SD can expect to earn approximately $69,999 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,384. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aberdeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aberdeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,346.13 | $5,833 | $69,999 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $807.68 | $3,500 | $41,999 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $538.45 | $2,333 | $27,999 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Aberdeen) | $33.65 |
| 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 Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $70,005 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $73,689.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.65/hr = $41,999/year (purchasing power: $45,258).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,999/year (purchasing power: $75,430).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Aberdeen grew 24.7% from $25.98/hr (2019) to $32.39/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.97/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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen
For part-time dietitians and nutritionists, those choosing to work only three days a week feel the financial impact directly compared to their full-time counterparts, who make a more substantial annual income. The per diem model offers flexibility but often requires adept negotiation skills, as roles across different sectors—like public health clinics or corporate wellness programs—can vary widely in compensation. Cash-pay private practice can be especially lucrative, with registered dietitian nutritionists billing up to $300 for a single hour of consultation. While some choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance in traditional employment settings, others seek higher pay without benefits—leading to varied earning strategies within the field. Understanding local market trends is essential; knowing when and how to negotiate based on specific employer budgets can make a significant difference in total compensation for dietitians and nutritionists in Aberdeen, SD.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Aberdeen in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Aberdeen?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Aberdeen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Aberdeen?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Aberdeen?
Related Pages
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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 Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen 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