Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Monroe, LA: $36.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Monroe, LA runs $36.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,315 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Monroe's regional price level (BEA RPP 83.6, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,785 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

At a median hourly rate of $36.69, dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Monroe, Louisiana, offers competitive compensation relative to the national median of $38.16. This rate facilitates a decent standard of living for professionals working part-time in various settings, such as hospital clinical nutrition consults, outpatient counseling rooms, and even virtual telehealth offices. For example, those who work a three-day week can expect to earn around $1,173 per week, which translates to an annualized figure that still allows for financial stability while managing other commitments. Entry-level positions typically start at $19.72 per hour, while more experienced practitioners can earn as much as $43.09 per hour, providing ample opportunity for growth in this field based on skill level and specialized knowledge.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.72 | $157.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.87 | $246.95 |
| Median (P50) | $36.69 | $293.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.48 | $315.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.09 | $344.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Monroe
Based on $36.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.69/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Monroe, LA can expect to earn approximately $76,309 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,025. With a cost-of-living index of 83.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Monroe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Monroe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,467.48 | $6,359 | $76,309 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $880.49 | $3,815 | $45,785 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $586.99 | $2,544 | $30,524 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Monroe) | $36.69 |
| 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 Monroe, LA earn a median of $76,315 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.86% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.20% above the Louisiana state average of $74,672.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.69/hr = $45,785/year (purchasing power: $54,769).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,309/year (purchasing power: $91,282).
CoL index: 83.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+69.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Monroe grew 57.1% from $22.48/hr (2019) to $35.31/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.12/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 Monroe 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 Monroe
Considering the earning potential for part-time dietitians and nutritionists, someone working a 24-hour week could expect a significantly lower annual take-home compared to full-time colleagues, emphasizing the value of full-time positions secured in facilities such as skilled nursing or outpatient clinics. While per-diem work is appealing, it typically commands higher rates, as dietitians and nutritionists engaged in per diem roles often charge between $50 and $80 per hour. Additionally, those providing specialized sports nutrition consulting can see rates escalate to $80-$150 per hour, reflecting the demand for niche expertise in Monroe. Ultimately, professionals in this field must weigh the benefits of varying roles, as those in traditional employment may find less hourly pay but receive valuable health insurance and retirement benefits, while freelancers might earn more but forfeit job security. For effective negotiations, leveraging local salary data while emphasizing unique skills and certifications, especially with the impending master's degree transition as mandated by CDR in 2024, can be pivotal for maximizing pay in the Monroe area.
More salary data for Monroe, LA:
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 Monroe. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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