Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Arlington, TX: $37.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Arlington, TX runs $37.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,937 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,367 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Arlington, TX, is projected to be $37.95, which is slightly below the national median of $38.16. This competitive rate allows professionals in the field to earn a reasonable income while providing flexible options for part-time and per-diem work. At this hourly rate, someone working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, can still achieve a significant income. Entry-level dietitians and nutritionists may start at around $22.58 per hour, whereas those at the top of their field could earn up to $53.55 per hour in Arlington’s various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health programs. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, emphasizing the diverse opportunities within the region for qualified nutrition professionals.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.58 | $180.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.81 | $238.47 |
| Median (P50) | $37.95 | $303.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.33 | $362.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.55 | $428.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $37.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.95/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, TX can expect to earn approximately $78,946 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,546. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,518.19 | $6,579 | $78,946 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $910.91 | $3,947 | $47,367 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.27 | $2,632 | $31,578 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Arlington) | $37.95 |
| 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 Arlington, TX earn a median of $78,937 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.56% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 7.10% above the Texas state average of $73,704.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.95/hr = $47,367/year (purchasing power: $49,341).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,946/year (purchasing power: $82,235).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington grew 24.7% from $29.30/hr (2019) to $36.53/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.43/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
The dynamics of hourly earnings for dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington reveal a wide array of earning potentials, especially for those choosing per-diem or contract work. Professionals working part-time at 24 hours weekly can expect to take home about $47,207 annually, while full-time positions yield a more substantial earnings figure. Per-diem dietitians and registered dietitians nutritionists (RDNs) commonly charge between $50 and $80 per hour, with specialty roles, such as sports nutrition consulting, fetching up to $150 per hour. Notably, those in private practice may significantly increase their earnings by charging $150 to $300 for a 60-minute consultation. Hourly rates can significantly differ across employer types; for instance, hospital positions may offer lower rates compared to private practice roles that forgo benefits for higher earnings. This trend requires professionals to consider the trade-offs between salary and perks like health insurance. As Arlington’s market adapts to shifts in demand, savvy negotiation strategies become essential, particularly for hourly workers seeking to maximize their compensation.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington 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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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