Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Johnson City, TN: $35.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Johnson City, TN runs $35.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,886 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Johnson City's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,737 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Johnson City, TN, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $35.05, which is notably lower than the national median of $38.16. This figure reflects the local economic conditions and cost of living index, which is below the national average. For part-time dietitians and nutritionists, often working three days a week, this translates to about $1,120 per week, or roughly $58,000 annually, allowing for a solid income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. The hourly range for these professionals varies significantly, from an entry-level rate of $14.45 to top earners who can command up to $48.00. These official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates for 2026 also highlight the diverse settings in which dietitians work, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and private practice environments, affecting potential earnings.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.45 | $115.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.71 | $117.70 |
| Median (P50) | $35.05 | $280.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.31 | $354.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.00 | $384.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnson City
Based on $35.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.05/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnson City, TN can expect to earn approximately $72,895 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,055. With a cost-of-living index of 87.93 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Johnson City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnson City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,401.82 | $6,075 | $72,895 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $841.09 | $3,645 | $43,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $560.73 | $2,430 | $29,158 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Johnson City) | $35.05 |
| 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 Johnson City, TN earn a median of $72,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.18% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.70% above the Tennessee state average of $70,285.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.05/hr = $43,737/year (purchasing power: $49,742).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,895/year (purchasing power: $82,903).
CoL index: 87.928 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Johnson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Johnson City grew 11.9% from $30.14/hr (2019) to $33.73/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.41/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 Johnson City 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 Johnson City
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a dietitian working 24 hours per week may find their financial situation markedly different compared to full-time counterparts. While full-time positions offer stability and benefits, part-time and per-diem arrangements often yield higher hourly rates but less job security. Per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Johnson City can range from $50 to $80 per hour. For specialized services, such as sports nutrition consulting, rates can climb even higher, with charges reaching between $80 and $150. Additionally, cash-paying clients in private practice could expect to pay $150 to $300 for a single session. These variances in pay reflect employer types, ranging from clinical nutrition in hospitals to corporate wellness roles, underscoring the trade-offs professionals face between a stable salary with benefits and higher income without them. For those negotiating rates, it’s beneficial to emphasize credentials, shifting market trends toward cash-pay models, and growing demand for specialized nutrition services, positioning themselves effectively in the competitive job market of Johnson City.
More salary data for Johnson City, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Johnson City 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 Johnson City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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