Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $39.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Kent, WA runs $39.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,843 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,105 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for dietitians and nutritionists in Kent, Washington, is projected to be $39.35, slightly above the national hourly median of $38.16. This rate presents an attractive option for both part-time and per-diem workers who might work in settings such as hospital clinical nutrition consults, outpatient clinics, schools, and private practices. With the hourly wage ranging from $25.76 (entry-level positions) to $56.09 (top earners), professionals can find various opportunities tailored to their schedules. Such flexibility allows dietitians and nutritionists to optimize their work-life balance while earning competitive rates for their expertise within Kent's market.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.76 | $206.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.60 | $260.83 |
| Median (P50) | $39.35 | $314.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.60 | $380.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.09 | $448.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $39.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.35/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $81,842 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,216. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,573.88 | $6,820 | $81,842 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $944.33 | $4,092 | $49,105 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $629.55 | $2,728 | $32,737 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Kent) | $39.35 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $81,843 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.10% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $82,007.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.35/hr = $49,105/year (purchasing power: $45,722).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,842/year (purchasing power: $76,203).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Kent grew 24.7% from $30.37/hr (2019) to $37.87/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.88/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 Kent 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 Kent
When considering part-time employment, a dietitian or nutritionist working three days a week, amounting to around 24 hours, would generate a substantial income compared to a full-time role, particularly if they engage in per-diem work. For example, many per-diem dietitians bill between $50 to $80 per hour, with specialized areas like sports nutrition yielding even higher rates of $80 to $150 per hour. Cash-pay private practitioners often charge $150 to $300 per session, reflecting the growing trend toward direct client care, especially for those needing flexible working arrangements. In Kent, hourly rates can differ significantly based on the employer, with government clinics and hospitals typically offering stability with benefits, while private practice allows for higher earnings but often lacks health insurance. Dietitians negotiating hourly pay should emphasize their specialized skills and certifications, such as the RDN credential, to strengthen their position in discussions about compensation.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Kent in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Kent?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Kent paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Kent?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Kent?
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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 Kent. 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 Kent 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