Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $36.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Memphis, TN runs $36.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,130 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,072 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, Tennessee, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is estimated at $36.12 for 2026, which is below the national median hourly rate of $38.16. This wage presents an interesting opportunity for those working part-time—typically around three days a week—especially in various settings like hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. Workers in these environments can expect to earn between $27.17 and $47.15 per hour based on experience and specialization. For those just starting their careers, the lower end of this scale can be a suitable entry point toward building a reputable practice. With the ongoing growth in this field projected at 3.90% annually, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) may find their hourly pay increasingly competitive as demand for their expertise rises. This information is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.17 | $217.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.21 | $249.69 |
| Median (P50) | $36.12 | $288.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.85 | $334.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.15 | $377.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $36.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.12/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $75,121 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,339. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,444.63 | $6,260 | $75,121 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $866.78 | $3,756 | $45,072 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $577.85 | $2,504 | $30,048 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Memphis) | $36.12 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $75,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.35% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 6.90% above the Tennessee state average of $70,281.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.12/hr = $45,072/year (purchasing power: $48,897).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,121/year (purchasing power: $81,494).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Memphis grew 22.3% from $28.43/hr (2019) to $34.76/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.52/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Part-time dietitians and nutritionists working 24 hours per week can expect different earning dynamics compared to their full-time counterparts. Assuming a part-time schedule, their annual take-home pay would be significantly lower than a full-time salary, demonstrating a distinct trade-off between hours worked and financial rewards. In contrast, per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Memphis may reach $50 to $80 per hour, providing flexibility without the commitment of a regular schedule. Agency or locum tenens positions may command similar rates, particularly for specialized roles in settings such as sports nutrition consulting, where rates can soar to $150 per hour. In Memphis, hourly earnings can vary across employer types, with hospitals often offering stability but potentially lower rates compared to cash-pay private practices that can charge $150 to $300 per session. Health insurance and benefits are critical considerations; many dietitians accept lower hourly wages in exchange for these perks. When negotiating hourly rates, it's essential for RDNs to understand local market dynamics and justify their worth based on specialized skills and the quality of care they provide.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Memphis. 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