Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Kirkland, WA: $39.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Kirkland, WA runs $39.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Kirkland's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,027 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kirkland, Washington, the projected dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in 2026 is $39.28, which positions it slightly above the national hourly median of $38.16. This rate can significantly benefit part-time professionals working three days a week, translating to a steady income for those engaged in diverse roles such as hospital clinical nutrition consults, school district cafeterias, and outpatient clinic settings. Kirkland's pay scale reflects a range from about $24.19 for entry-level positions to $52.28 for top earners in the field. These figures, derived from annual salary data, illustrate the varied opportunities for both established and emerging dietitians and nutritionists in the region.
About the Kirkland 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) | $24.19 | $193.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.39 | $251.11 |
| Median (P50) | $39.28 | $314.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.57 | $364.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.28 | $418.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkland
Based on $39.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.28/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkland, WA can expect to earn approximately $81,712 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,142. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kirkland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,571.38 | $6,809 | $81,712 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $942.83 | $4,086 | $49,027 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $628.55 | $2,724 | $32,685 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Kirkland) | $39.28 |
| 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 Kirkland, WA earn a median of $81,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.94% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.30% below the Washington state average of $81,956.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.28/hr = $49,027/year (purchasing power: $45,649).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,712/year (purchasing power: $76,082).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Kirkland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Kirkland grew 24.7% from $30.32/hr (2019) to $37.81/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.82/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 Kirkland 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 Kirkland
Per-diem work structures also prevalent in Kirkland can influence overall income potential. A part-time dietitian and nutritionist working 24 hours weekly may take home significantly less annually compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem roles across agencies often offer billing rates ranging from $50 to $80 per hour, while specialty consulting in sports nutrition can command rates from $80 to $150 per hour. In contrast, private practice dietitians focusing on cash-pay models can charge between $150 and $300 per session. Factors such as employer type—whether in clinical nutrition for hospitals, corporate wellness programs, or community health settings—also dictate hourly rates. While some professionals might opt for lower pay for benefits, others may prefer the financial flexibility of high hourly wages without benefits. Negotiation strategies specific to the Kirkland area can enhance earning potential, so understanding local market trends is vital for both new and seasoned dietitians and nutritionists.
More salary data for Kirkland, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Kirkland in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Kirkland?
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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 Kirkland. 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 Kirkland 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