Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $33.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Lincoln, NE runs $33.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,558 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,336 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lincoln, Nebraska, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $33.92 in 2026, which falls short of the national hourly median of $38.16. This hourly figure reflects compensation that can significantly impact the earning potential for part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, as well as per-diem professionals who operate in varied environments like hospitals, outpatient clinics, or schools. With an hourly range stretching from $24.78 for entry-level positions to $41.56 for more experienced professionals, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) can find diverse opportunities across Lincoln. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), highlights the fiscal context within which these nutrition professionals function, emphasizing their critical role in settings including long-term care facilities, sports nutrition, and private practice.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.78 | $198.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.63 | $245.04 |
| Median (P50) | $33.92 | $271.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.60 | $308.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.56 | $332.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $33.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.92/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $70,561 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,708. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,356.93 | $5,880 | $70,561 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $814.16 | $3,528 | $42,336 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $542.77 | $2,352 | $28,224 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Lincoln) | $33.92 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $70,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.11% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.90% below the Nebraska state average of $72,666.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.92/hr = $42,336/year (purchasing power: $46,228).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,561/year (purchasing power: $77,047).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Lincoln grew 17.8% from $27.72/hr (2019) to $32.65/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.25/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
When considering part-time possibilities, a dietitian and nutritionist in Lincoln working 24 hours a week can expect a substantial annual take-home pay, although it won’t rival that of full-time positions. Those working per-diem or agency roles can command even higher compensation, often billing $50 to $80 per hour, with niche areas like sports nutrition consulting seeing rates from $80 to $150 per hour. In terms of hourly variations, different employer types greatly influence earnings, with hospital clinical nutrition departments typically offering lower rates compared to private practice settings where cash-pay RDNs can charge $150 to $300 for each session. Many professionals may accept lower hourly wages for access to health benefits that are often absent in higher-paying, self-employed roles. Negotiation tactics in Lincoln should focus on demonstrating unique qualifications and the ability to deliver value, especially as the demand for certified dietitians continues to rise due to trends in health and wellness, alongside the transition toward master's degree requirements in the industry.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Lincoln in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Lincoln?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Lincoln paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Lincoln?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Lincoln?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
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 Lincoln. 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, 7-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