Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Wheeling, WV: $31.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Wheeling, WV runs $31.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,407 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,250 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheeling, West Virginia, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median of $31.45, which is significantly lower than the national median of $38.16. For those working part-time, such as in hospital settings or outpatient clinics, this translates into a solid income while still allowing flexible schedules, particularly for a three-day workweek. Part-time professionals may find opportunities in various environments, including hospital clinical nutrition consults and school district kitchens. The hourly rate ranges from $21.28 for entry-level positions to $41.05 for top earners, reflecting the breadth of experience and settings available in the field. These figures are derived from annual salary data, showcasing the economic landscape for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in this region.
About the Wheeling Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.28 | $170.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.48 | $211.87 |
| Median (P50) | $31.45 | $251.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.21 | $289.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.05 | $328.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling
Based on $31.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.45/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, WV can expect to earn approximately $65,417 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,741. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,258.02 | $5,451 | $65,417 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $754.81 | $3,271 | $39,250 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.21 | $2,181 | $26,167 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Wheeling) | $31.45 |
| 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 Wheeling, WV earn a median of $65,407 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.60% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.70% below the West Virginia state average of $68,633.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.45/hr = $39,250/year (purchasing power: $45,376).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,417/year (purchasing power: $75,627).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+0.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Wheeling grew -6.6% from $32.42/hr (2019) to $30.27/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.68/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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
Exploring the part-time and per-diem dynamics of dietitian and nutritionist pay in Wheeling reveals interesting trends in annual earnings. For example, a dietitian working three days a week (24 hours) could expect to earn around $49,185 per year, which is quite different from a full-time RDN. Moreover, per-diem dietitians often command rates between $50 and $80 per hour, while those providing specialized sports nutrition services can bill even higher, charging $80 to $150 per hour. However, cash-based private practice RDNs might charge anywhere from $150 to $300 for a session, presenting an alternative earning potential. The hourly rates vary widely across employer types like hospitals, schools, and private practices. Consequently, many dietitians balance the decision between accepting lower hourly wages with benefits versus higher pay without them. When negotiating, it's advisable for dietitians in Wheeling to highlight their specialized skills and adaptability to secure a more favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Wheeling, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Wheeling in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Wheeling?
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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 Wheeling. 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 Wheeling 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