Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Starkville, MS: $31.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Starkville, MS runs $31.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,154 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Starkville's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,691 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Starkville, Mississippi, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay averages around $31.80, which reflects a significant gap compared to the national hourly median of $38.16. This variation highlights the earning potential available in this profession, particularly for those working part-time, such as in outpatient clinic counseling roles or various public health settings. Part-time professionals typically working three days a week could expect to earn about $1,525 weekly, ultimately translating to an annual income nearing $79,300. Hourly rates for dietitians and nutritionists in Starkville exhibit a broad range—entry-level positions start around $19.98, while more experienced practitioners can earn up to $40.82 per hour, showcasing diverse opportunities throughout the local healthcare and wellness landscape.
About the Starkville Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.98 | $159.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.58 | $220.60 |
| Median (P50) | $31.80 | $254.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.20 | $289.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.82 | $326.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Starkville
Based on $31.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.80/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Starkville, MS can expect to earn approximately $66,152 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,165. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Starkville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Starkville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,272.15 | $5,513 | $66,152 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $763.29 | $3,308 | $39,691 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $508.86 | $2,205 | $26,461 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Starkville) | $31.80 |
| 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 Starkville, MS earn a median of $66,154 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.80% below the Mississippi state average of $68,060.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.80/hr = $39,691/year (purchasing power: $46,314).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,152/year (purchasing power: $77,190).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Starkville grew 24.7% from $24.55/hr (2019) to $30.61/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.04/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 Starkville 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 Starkville
The potential for part-time earnings in Starkville can lead to diversified income streams, particularly for those engaging in per-diem or consulting roles. Many dietitians and nutritionists leverage market demand to command higher pay by working per diem; as a result, some professionals may bill $50 to $80 per hour and even higher for specialized services, like sports nutrition consulting, which can reach $150 or more per hour. While hospital and public health roles typically offer stability and benefits, they may compensate lower than private practice or per diem positions that often lack employer-provided health insurance. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) considering their career paths in Starkville should weigh the benefits of traditional employment against the lucrative allure of independent practice and negotiate their hourly rates effectively based on market conditions and their skill set to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Starkville, MS:
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 Starkville. 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 Starkville 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