Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Staunton, VA: $36.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Staunton, VA runs $36.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,938 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Staunton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,565 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Staunton, Virginia, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $36.51 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $38.16, indicating a competitive local market for these professionals. For those seeking part-time work, such as individuals considering a three-day workweek, this hourly rate translates to a reasonable income relative to their time commitment. In typical settings like outpatient clinics, hospital nutrition consults, or even sports team consulting, the hourly range varies from $25.13 for entry-level positions up to $48.12 for top earners. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, provide a framework for understanding potential earnings in Staunton; thus, it becomes essential for current and aspiring dietitians and nutritionists to consider these wage dynamics as they plan their careers.
About the Staunton 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) | $25.13 | $201.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.02 | $248.20 |
| Median (P50) | $36.51 | $292.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.34 | $338.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.12 | $384.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Staunton
Based on $36.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.51/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Staunton, VA can expect to earn approximately $75,942 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,813. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Staunton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Staunton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,460.42 | $6,328 | $75,942 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $876.25 | $3,797 | $45,565 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $584.17 | $2,531 | $30,377 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Staunton) | $36.51 |
| 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 Staunton, VA earn a median of $75,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.34% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $79,185.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.51/hr = $45,565/year (purchasing power: $44,152).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,942/year (purchasing power: $73,587).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Staunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Staunton grew 24.7% from $28.18/hr (2019) to $35.14/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.93/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 Staunton 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 Staunton
Income potential varies significantly for dietitians and nutritionists in Staunton, particularly for those who opt for part-time roles versus full-time positions. A dietitian working three days a week, totalling 24 hours, could earn approximately $46,329 annually, revealing the substantial variation in pay structures based on employment arrangements. Moreover, per diem, agency, or locum positions present a different financial scenario. For instance, per diem dietitians commonly charge between $50 and $80 per hour, while specialized consulting—such as sports nutrition—can command rates from $80 to $150 per hour. Unfortunately, lower hourly rates are often accepted by those working full-time in facilities with health benefits, whereas others may prefer to negotiate higher hourly rates without such benefits. To maximize earnings, professionals should be strategic about their employer type, which ranges from hospitals to private practices, and practice strong negotiation skills tailored to the Staunton market.
More salary data for Staunton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Staunton in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Staunton?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Staunton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Staunton?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Staunton?
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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 Staunton. 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 Staunton 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