Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Cookeville, TN: $32.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Cookeville, TN runs $32.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,761 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Cookeville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,054 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cookeville, TN, the projected dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay for 2026 is $32.09, which falls short of the national hourly median of $38.16. This disparity reflects local economic conditions and has implications for those seeking part-time employment or per-diem positions within various health care settings. For instance, dietitians working three days a week can still find a stable income, earning a significant amount when working in environments such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, or outpatient clinics. The hourly range in Cookeville spans from $21.62 at entry-level positions to $41.75 for more experienced professionals, showcasing ample opportunity for growth within the field. Entry-level workers often start below the median, while those with more expertise can command higher rates, making the profession appealing for both full-time and flexible work schedules.
About the Cookeville 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) | $21.62 | $172.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.93 | $215.45 |
| Median (P50) | $32.09 | $256.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.88 | $295.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.75 | $333.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cookeville
Based on $32.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.09/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cookeville, TN can expect to earn approximately $66,757 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,514. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cookeville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cookeville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,283.79 | $5,563 | $66,757 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $770.27 | $3,338 | $40,054 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $513.52 | $2,225 | $26,703 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Cookeville) | $32.09 |
| 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 Cookeville, TN earn a median of $66,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.90% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $70,275.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.09/hr = $40,054/year (purchasing power: $43,632).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,757/year (purchasing power: $72,720).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Cookeville grew 24.7% from $24.77/hr (2019) to $30.89/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.35/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 Cookeville 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 Cookeville
The earnings potential for part-time dietitians and nutritionists in Cookeville suggests varied opportunities depending on the work environment. For those working 24 hours a week, their earnings could come in substantially lower than full-time counterparts, yet there remains substantial demand for dietary consulting, especially in sports nutrition, where per diem rates can range from $50 to $150 per hour. Additionally, cash-pay practice models have risen in popularity, allowing registered dietitian nutritionists to charge $150 to $300 for private consultations. While many dietitians in Cookeville may opt for lower hourly rates that include benefits like health insurance in hospital settings, others may prefer higher hourly options in private practice without health coverage. This decision could be influenced by negotiation dynamics specific to the local market, emphasizing the need for effective communication about desired rates and expected benefits in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Cookeville in 2026?
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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 Cookeville. 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 Cookeville 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