Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Moses Lake, WA: $38.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Moses Lake, WA runs $38.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,092 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Moses Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,458 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Moses Lake, Washington, the projected dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in 2026 stands at $38.03. This figure is slightly below the national average hourly rate of $38.16, highlighting a competitive local market for professionals in this field. For part-time workers seeking opportunities in hospital clinical settings, outpatient clinics, or private practice, this translates to a manageable income, especially when averaging part-time hours around three days a week. Entry-level dietitians may expect to earn around $26.52 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates up to $50.56. These estimates are derived from annual salary data to gauge the potential for various employment scenarios, including full-time and per-diem work environments within the community, such as long-term care facilities and school districts.
About the Moses Lake 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) | $26.52 | $212.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.59 | $260.75 |
| Median (P50) | $38.03 | $304.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.34 | $354.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.56 | $404.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moses Lake
Based on $38.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.03/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moses Lake, WA can expect to earn approximately $79,097 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,633. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Moses Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moses Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,521.10 | $6,591 | $79,097 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $912.66 | $3,955 | $47,458 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $608.44 | $2,637 | $31,639 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Moses Lake) | $38.03 |
| 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 Moses Lake, WA earn a median of $79,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.36% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.50% below the Washington state average of $81,960.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.03/hr = $47,458/year (purchasing power: $44,188).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,097/year (purchasing power: $73,647).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Moses Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Moses Lake grew 24.7% from $29.35/hr (2019) to $36.60/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.51/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 Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake
Exploring the financial dynamics of dietitian and nutritionist roles reveals intriguing earning potential for part-time work. A professional working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could expect an annual income considerably lower than a full-time counterpart, illustrating the trade-offs associated with part-time employment. For those engaged in per diem positions or agency work, the hourly pay can significantly increase; some may bill anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour for general nutrition consulting, while those specializing in sports nutrition consulting can charge between $80 and $150 per hour. However, there's also a growing trend of cash-pay practices where registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) charge clients upwards of $150-$300 for 60-minute sessions, reflecting the increasing move towards direct patient interactions outside traditional medical insurance frameworks. The variance in hourly rates across different employer types, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and corporate wellness programs, emphasizes the importance of negotiating compensation based on specific job contexts and responsibilities. Those willing to sacrifice lower hourly rates for the security of health benefits must weigh this against the potential for higher earnings in independent or per-diem roles, particularly in an evolving field redefining the career paths of dietitians and nutritionists in Moses Lake, WA.
More salary data for Moses Lake, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Moses Lake. 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 Moses Lake 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