Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $30.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Opelika, AL runs $30.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,905 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,343 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for dietitians and nutritionists in Opelika, Alabama, is projected to be $30.72. This figure falls short of the national median hourly rate of $38.16, which represents a significant difference. For those considering part-time opportunities, such as a 3-day workweek, this translates into roughly $61,440 annually, making it attractive for individuals seeking flexibility or those in transitional stages of their career. Hourly rates in Opelika range from $21.49 for entry-level positions to $40.93 for experienced professionals, allowing for diverse earning potentials based on expertise and specific employment settings. Dietitians and nutritionists are often found working in various environments like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools, where flexible work arrangements can accommodate a range of schedules, including per-diem roles that may attract varying compensation.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.49 | $171.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.38 | $211.04 |
| Median (P50) | $30.72 | $245.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.87 | $286.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.93 | $327.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $30.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.72/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $63,904 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,868. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,228.93 | $5,325 | $63,904 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $737.36 | $3,195 | $38,343 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.57 | $2,130 | $25,562 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Opelika) | $30.72 |
| 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 Opelika, AL earn a median of $63,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.49% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 6.70% below the Alabama state average of $68,494.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.72/hr = $38,343/year (purchasing power: $43,621).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,904/year (purchasing power: $72,701).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Opelika grew 24.7% from $23.71/hr (2019) to $29.57/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.92/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 Opelika 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 Opelika
Part-time dietitians and nutritionists in Opelika need to consider their effective earnings when weighing full-time versus flexible schedules. A typical 3-day work week amounting to 24 hours may yield total earnings of around $61,440 annually, whereas full-time roles can reach higher figures but often come with less flexibility. For those interested in per-diem positions, agency or locum tenens dietitians tend to bill significantly higher hourly rates—between $50 and $80. Furthermore, specialists providing sports nutrition counsel can command impressive fees, anywhere from $80 to $150 per hour, while private practice professionals can charge up to $300 per session. Variability exists among hourly wages across different employer types in Opelika, with differing priorities for benefits, like health insurance, impacting individual choices. Negotiating salaries effectively requires understanding local market dynamics, considering both hourly pay and the associated benefits or lack thereof in various employment settings, essential for establishing oneself within the profession.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Opelika in 2026?
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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 Opelika. 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 Opelika 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