Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in South Valley, NM: $34.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in South Valley, NM runs $34.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,568 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against South Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,542 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Valley, New Mexico, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $34.89 in 2026, which is below the national median of $38.16. This discrepancy reflects broader economic conditions and the specific demand for these professionals in NM. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a substantial income possibility within various settings—ranging from hospital clinical nutrition rounds to outpatient counseling sessions. Entry-level practitioners can expect to earn around $21.70 per hour, while experienced dietitians can command up to $46.65. Such pay structures are crucial for those in flexible roles, including per-diem positions frequently found in skilled nursing facilities and WIC counseling offices, allowing professionals to access diverse work environments without committing to full-time hours.
About the South Valley Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.70 | $173.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.07 | $240.55 |
| Median (P50) | $34.89 | $279.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.86 | $326.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.65 | $373.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Valley
Based on $34.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.89/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Valley, NM can expect to earn approximately $72,570 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,868. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,395.58 | $6,048 | $72,570 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $837.35 | $3,629 | $43,542 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $558.23 | $2,419 | $29,028 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (South Valley) | $34.89 |
| 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 South Valley, NM earn a median of $72,568 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.20% below the New Mexico state average of $74,967.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.89/hr = $43,542/year (purchasing power: $46,125).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,570/year (purchasing power: $76,875).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in South Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in South Valley grew 24.7% from $26.93/hr (2019) to $33.58/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.25/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 South Valley 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 South Valley
Considering the practical aspects of part-time or per-diem work, a dietitian and nutritionist in South Valley working a standard 24-hour week at the median hourly rate can achieve an annual income of approximately $43,028, significantly less than full-time counterparts. For those in per-diem roles, typical hourly billing rates range dramatically, with some professionals earning $50-$80 per hour for general consulting or even more in niche areas like sports nutrition, where rates can soar to $150. It’s essential to recognize how employer type influences pay; positions in hospitals often offer more stability but can have lower hourly compensation compared to dynamic roles in private practice where cash-pay models are gaining popularity. Dietitians might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may trade benefits for higher wages. When negotiating rates in South Valley, professionals should consider their unique experience and the growing trend toward cash-pay models while also evaluating the benefits associated with traditional employment.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in South Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in South Valley?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in South Valley paid hourly or salary?
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Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in South Valley?
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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 South Valley. 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 South Valley 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