Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $36.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Salem, VA runs $36.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,794 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,071 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Virginia, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $36.92 in 2026, contrasting slightly with the national median of $38.16. This hourly rate is appealing for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and school food services. For instance, those working three days a week might expect a stable income, while per-diem roles could offer flexibility with a higher earning potential. The hourly range spans from $23.00 at the entry-level up to $47.18 for top earners, indicating strong opportunities for professional advancement. Estimates for these figures are derived from projected annual salary data, providing a reasonable overview of the earning prospects for both new and experienced dietitians and nutritionists in Salem.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.00 | $184.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.89 | $255.10 |
| Median (P50) | $36.92 | $295.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.88 | $335.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.18 | $377.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $36.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.92/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $76,785 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,299. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,476.63 | $6,399 | $76,785 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $885.98 | $3,839 | $46,071 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $590.65 | $2,559 | $30,714 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Salem) | $36.92 |
| 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 Salem, VA earn a median of $76,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.26% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $79,169.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.92/hr = $46,071/year (purchasing power: $44,642).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,785/year (purchasing power: $74,404).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Salem grew 24.7% from $28.49/hr (2019) to $35.53/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.36/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 Salem 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 Salem
In terms of earning potential, part-time dietitians and nutritionists working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, highlighting the trade-offs in scheduling flexibility versus overall earnings. Per-diem dietitians can commonly bill between $50-$80 per hour, whereas specialists in sports nutrition may charge even higher rates of $80-$150 per hour, especially when working with athletics teams. The type of employer also influences hourly pay; for example, typical roles in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities may pay less compared to cash-paying private practices or corporate wellness initiatives. Health benefits often accompany lower hourly rates, so some professionals may opt for stability despite the lost potential earnings. When negotiating hourly pay, dietitians in Salem should emphasize their qualifications and any specialized skills to secure competitive compensation.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Salem?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Salem?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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