Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in River Falls, WI: $35.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in River Falls, WI runs $35.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,673 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against River Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,204 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In River Falls, Wisconsin, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected at $35.42, notably lower than the national median of $38.16. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $1,422 in a four-week month, making it possible to earn a respectable income while juggling other commitments. Per-diem opportunities are common in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, WIC offices, and long-term care facilities. Entry-level positions may start at an hourly rate of $22.99, while experienced professionals can earn up to $46.26, reflecting the broad hourly range in this field. The diverse work environments available to dietitians and nutritionists in River Falls, such as a central kitchen for school districts or private telehealth practices, often influence these pay scales, offering flexibility and specialization.
About the River Falls Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.99 | $183.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.39 | $243.13 |
| Median (P50) | $35.42 | $283.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.96 | $327.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.26 | $370.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in River Falls
Based on $35.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.42/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in River Falls, WI can expect to earn approximately $73,673 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,503. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in River Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in River Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,416.78 | $6,139 | $73,673 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $850.07 | $3,684 | $44,204 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $566.71 | $2,456 | $29,469 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (River Falls) | $35.42 |
| 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 River Falls, WI earn a median of $73,673 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.19% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 5.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $78,210.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.42/hr = $44,204/year (purchasing power: $47,327).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,673/year (purchasing power: $78,879).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in River Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in River Falls grew 24.7% from $27.34/hr (2019) to $34.09/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.80/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 River Falls 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 River Falls
Considering the earning potential in River Falls presents an interesting dynamic, especially for those contemplating part-time work. A part-time dietitian working 24 hours per week could expect to take home around $34,021 annually—a figure that contrasts sharply with a full-time colleague. Moreover, per diem and locum tenens positions can command significantly higher hourly rates, with dietitians often billing between $50 and $80 per hour, particularly in specialty areas like sports nutrition, where rates can soar to $150. The hourly rates can also vary widely across employer types; for instance, hospital positions tend to offer more stability and benefits, while private practice might yield higher pay with corresponding risks. It's crucial for professionals in River Falls to consider the trade-off between benefits and hourly rates when engaging in negotiations, as securing health insurance may necessitate accepting a lower rate. Being knowledgeable about local trends and having clear negotiation strategies can help dietitians and nutritionists maximize their earning potential within this marketplace.
More salary data for River Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in River Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in River Falls?
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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 River Falls. 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 River Falls 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