Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Columbia, TN: $32.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Columbia, TN runs $32.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,473 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,079 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, TN, dietitians and nutritionists earn a median hourly pay of $32.92, which is notably lower than the national median of $38.16 per hour. This reflects a broader trend in the region, making it essential for those in the field to consider how these figures translate into their work environment. Part-time or per-diem positions can be particularly appealing; for instance, a dietitian working three days a week could earn around $25,098 annually based on a typical 24-hour work schedule. Entry-level dietitians can expect to earn around $20.83 per hour, while experienced professionals in the top tier of the pay scale can command up to $44.42 per hour. These hourly rates provide a clear picture of the earning potential in various settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practice.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.83 | $166.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.62 | $212.95 |
| Median (P50) | $32.92 | $263.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.81 | $310.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.42 | $355.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $32.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.92/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, TN can expect to earn approximately $68,464 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,499. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,316.62 | $5,705 | $68,464 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $789.97 | $3,423 | $41,079 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $526.65 | $2,282 | $27,386 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Columbia) | $32.92 |
| 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 Columbia, TN earn a median of $68,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.74% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $70,229.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.92/hr = $41,079/year (purchasing power: $44,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,464/year (purchasing power: $74,580).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbia grew 24.7% from $25.41/hr (2019) to $31.68/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.20/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Understanding the financial implications of choosing between full-time and part-time roles is vital for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbia. A part-time dietitian working 24 hours per week might earn significantly less annually than one in a full-time position, yet flexibility can make part-time roles attractive. Per-diem dietitians and nutritionists are increasingly opting for agency work, billing anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour, depending on their specialization, while sports nutrition consultants can command rates as high as $150 per hour. Given this variety, those engaged in cash-pay private practice may charge $150-$300 per hour for consultations, offering another avenue for lucrative income but lacking the stability associated with salaried positions that include health benefits. Negotiating hourly pay requires knowledge of industry benchmarks, especially in a competitive market like Columbia. Understanding the trade-offs between higher hourly pay without benefits and lower rates with health coverage is essential for informed career choices.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Columbia?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Columbia?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbia?
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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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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