Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $33.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Jonesboro, AR runs $33.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,928 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,960 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jonesboro, Arkansas, the projected dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $33.62. This rate is notably lower than the national hourly median of $38.16, reflecting the regional market conditions. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week in various settings—such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and school kitchens—can lead to earnings around $26,000 annually for about 24 hours a week. The hourly pay ranges from $21.66 for entry-level positions to $46.02 at the higher end, catering to experienced professionals in specialized fields. Such figures, derived from annual salary estimates, highlight the potential for both local and per-diem workers to find employment within diverse environments, including chronic disease management, long-term care, or private practice and telehealth.
About the Jonesboro Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.66 | $173.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.55 | $220.43 |
| Median (P50) | $33.62 | $268.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.69 | $317.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.02 | $368.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro
Based on $33.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.62/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $69,934 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,346. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,344.88 | $5,828 | $69,934 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $806.93 | $3,497 | $41,960 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.95 | $2,331 | $27,974 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Jonesboro) | $33.62 |
| 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 Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $69,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.91% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.40% above the Arkansas state average of $68,962.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.62/hr = $41,960/year (purchasing power: $48,286).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,934/year (purchasing power: $80,476).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Jonesboro grew 24.7% from $25.95/hr (2019) to $32.36/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.93/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 Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro
When assessing the financial landscape for dietitians and nutritionists who may work part-time, a 24-hour work week can translate to an annual income significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts. Per-diem or agency positions offer a different financial proposition, as these professionals can often command billing rates between $50 and $80 per hour. In specialized niches like sports nutrition consulting, rates can soar to between $80 and $150 per hour, while cash-pay private practice dietitians may charge $150-$300 per 60-minute session. In Jonesboro, hourly remuneration varies across employer types, as hospital employees may earn less due to benefits, whereas those in private practice can negotiate higher pay in exchange for no health insurance. For dietitians navigating this space, addressing compensation packages and valuing non-monetary benefits can be key during negotiations, particularly in a market that features both permanent and contract opportunities.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Jonesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Jonesboro?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Jonesboro paid hourly or salary?
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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 Jonesboro. 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 Jonesboro 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