Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $36.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Fairfax, VA runs $36.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,615 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,371 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists working in Fairfax, Virginia, can expect a median hourly pay of $36.35, which is somewhat lower than the national hourly median of $38.16. This figure is significant for those pursuing part-time roles, as working three days a week for about 24 hours could yield an annual income of approximately $45,000. The hourly range for entry-level positions starts around $24.25, while seasoned professionals at the top of the pay scale can earn up to $46.20 per hour. Such flexibility in hourly rates caters to various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. Many in the field seek opportunities in areas like long-term care, school dining programs, and sports nutrition, all of which require specialized expertise.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.25 | $194.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.36 | $242.88 |
| Median (P50) | $36.35 | $290.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.26 | $330.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.20 | $369.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $36.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.35/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $75,618 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,626. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,454.18 | $6,301 | $75,618 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $872.51 | $3,781 | $45,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.67 | $2,521 | $30,247 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Fairfax) | $36.35 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $75,615 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.74% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $79,178.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.35/hr = $45,371/year (purchasing power: $43,964).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,618/year (purchasing power: $73,273).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Fairfax grew 24.7% from $28.06/hr (2019) to $34.99/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.77/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
When considering part-time roles or per-diem opportunities, the earning potential for dietitians and nutritionists varies significantly. A part-time worker can earn less than a full-time employee, given that full-time professionals enjoy benefits that often come with slightly lower hourly pay. Those exploring per-diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Fairfax may bill clients anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour, while specialized sports nutrition consulting can reach as high as $150 per hour. Cash-pay private practice also presents a lucrative avenue, with rates ranging from $150 to $300 for a 60-minute session. Employers like hospitals and outpatient clinics tend to offer more benefits, potentially leading to lower hourly rates compared to private practice roles, where benefits are typically not included. This difference encourages professionals to negotiate based on their specific employment situation to ensure they maximize both their hourly pay and overall compensation.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Fairfax in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Fairfax?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Fairfax paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Fairfax?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfax?
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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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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