Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Smyrna, TN: $34.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Smyrna, TN runs $34.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,021 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,609 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, TN, the estimated dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $34.14, which is notably lower than the national median of $38.16 per hour. This hourly rate has significant implications for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, such as hospital clinical nutrition consults, outpatient counseling sessions, and WIC offices. For those considering part-time work, which may typically involve 24 hours per week, the compensation allows for a flexible schedule while still providing a respectable income. With a projected hourly range spanning from $21.85 for entry-level positions to $45.20 for experienced professionals, those in Smyrna can expect a range of opportunities in clinical, community, and private practice environments.
About the Smyrna 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) | $21.85 | $174.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.87 | $222.93 |
| Median (P50) | $34.14 | $273.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.24 | $321.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.20 | $361.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $34.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.14/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, TN can expect to earn approximately $71,014 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,970. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,365.66 | $5,918 | $71,014 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $819.40 | $3,551 | $42,609 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $546.26 | $2,367 | $28,406 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Smyrna) | $34.14 |
| 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 Smyrna, TN earn a median of $71,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.53% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $70,248.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.14/hr = $42,609/year (purchasing power: $46,415).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,014/year (purchasing power: $77,358).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Smyrna grew 24.7% from $26.35/hr (2019) to $32.86/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.47/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Exploring the potential earnings further, a dietitian and nutritionist working three days a week would bring home approximately $53,363 annually, significantly lower than what a full-time colleague could earn. Per-diem and agency workers have a different experience, with many billing between $50 to $80 per hour, especially in specialized fields like sports nutrition, where rates may reach $80 to $150 per hour. These professionals often choose higher hourly pay in exchange for less job security and benefits typical of full-time employment. Additionally, hourly rates can fluctuate greatly depending on the type of employer, with those in long-term care facilities or school food service programs often earning less than their peers in corporate wellness or private practice. Thus, while some may opt for lower hourly rates with benefits, others pursue higher compensation by negotiating pay in non-traditional settings, further illustrating the diverse earning potential for dietitians and nutritionists in Smyrna, TN.
More salary data for Smyrna, 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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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