Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $31.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in University City, MO runs $31.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,316 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,185 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in University City, MO, is projected to reach a median of $31.40 in 2026. This figure falls short of the national median hourly rate of $38.16, suggesting that local professionals may earn approximately 17.72% less than their counterparts across the country. For dietitians and nutritionists working part-time—say, three days a week—the earnings reflect a flexible but challenging path, especially when scheduling shifts in a variety of environments such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health settings. Entry-level practitioners may find hourly wages starting around $20.44, while more experienced dietitians can earn up to $40.02, indicating a range that accommodates both novice and seasoned professionals in the field.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.44 | $163.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.84 | $206.72 |
| Median (P50) | $31.40 | $251.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.24 | $289.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.02 | $320.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $31.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.40/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $65,309 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,678. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,255.94 | $5,442 | $65,309 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $753.57 | $3,265 | $39,185 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $502.38 | $2,177 | $26,124 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (University City) | $31.40 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $65,316 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $66,243.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.40/hr = $39,185/year (purchasing power: $43,734).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,309/year (purchasing power: $72,890).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in University City grew 24.7% from $24.24/hr (2019) to $30.22/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.62/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 University City 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 University City
When considering part-time opportunities, a dietitian or nutritionist working a three-day week and logging 24 hours would see significant differences in yearly income compared to full-time roles. Per-diem dietitians often face an entirely different earning landscape, with opportunities to charge billing rates between $50 to $80 an hour, particularly in specialty areas like sports nutrition consulting where rates can soar up to $150. Hourly rates can vary greatly depending on the employer; clinical environments typically offer different compensation structures compared to private practice, where cash-pay rates can run from $150 to $300 per session. While some professionals may opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others may find it more advantageous to negotiate for higher pay, particularly when working with self-pay clients outside the constraints of insurance. Understanding University City’s job market and compensation norms can position dietitians and nutritionists to make informed choices while building a sustainable career in this evolving field.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in University City in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in University City?
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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 University City. 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 University City 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