Dietitian Pay

Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Pembroke Pines, FL: $48,013 (2026)

Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Pembroke Pines, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,013 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pembroke Pines's local price level (BEA RPP 100.81% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,632 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,413) within a few years of clinical practice.

$48,013
Starting Salary
$23.09/hr
Starting Hourly
$48,013
Entry Level
$78,413
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dietitian and Nutritionist Entry Level Salary in Pembroke Pines, FL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Pembroke Pines, FL dietitian and nutritionist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, those entering the profession as dietitians and nutritionists in Pembroke Pines can expect a starting salary around $48,013. While this amount is significantly lower than the city median of $78,413, it presents a reasonable entry point, especially for fresh graduates embarking on their careers. The early years are critical, with potential growth from the starting pay to $62,476 at the 25th percentile, and the chance to reach the median over the first three to five years. This growth trajectory, coupled with an annual growth rate of 3.90%, makes Pembroke Pines a viable market for new dietitians and nutritionists looking to establish themselves professionally while gaining valuable experience.

About the Pembroke Pines Market

Salary estimated from Florida average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Pembroke Pines

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$48,013/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$62,476/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$78,413/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$90,565/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pembroke Pines

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for dietitian and nutritionists in Pembroke Pines. The median salary is $78,413, compared to the national median of $79,380.$43.2K$62.0K$80.7K$99.4K$118.2K$48.0K10th Pctl$62.5K25th Pctl$78.4KMedian$90.6K75th Pctl$112.6K90th PctlUS Median$79.4K

Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Pembroke Pines, FL typically start between $48,013 and $62,476 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,543 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,4131.22% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of dietitian and nutritionist pay in the Pembroke Pines metro area.

Return on Investment

$55,000
Avg FL Program Cost
$48,013
Starting Salary
114.55%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nutrition program cost in Florida of $55,000 represents just 114.55% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($48,013/year) in Pembroke Pines. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on ACEND-accredited dietetics program data and university tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public in-state, public out-of-state, private) and degree level (bachelor's vs. master's).

DN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Pembroke Pines

  • 1Research the Pembroke Pines market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $48,013 to $62,476, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nutrition field — employers in FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pembroke Pines, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Pembroke Pines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Pembroke Pines's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Dietitian and Nutritionist Compensation Range

The dietitian and nutritionist wage spread in Pembroke Pines is $64,543 ( 134.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,013, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,556.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$36,609

2025 BLS Actual

$46,211

2026 Current Est.

$48,013

2019–2027 Growth

+36.3%

Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Pembroke Pines (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for dietitians and nutritionists in Pembroke Pines. Baseline $36,609 in 2025, projected to $49,886 by 2027.$34.0K$38.6K$43.2K$47.9K$52.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$36.6K$37.5K$40.0K$41.6K$42.3K$41.6K$46.2K$48.0K$49.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$36,609Actual
2020$37,503Actual
2021$40,036Actual
2022$41,551Actual
2023$42,276Actual
2024$41,560Actual
2025$46,211Actual
2026(current)$48,013Estimated
2027$49,886Projected

Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Pembroke Pines, FL grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,609 in 2019 to $46,211 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,886. New graduates entering the Pembroke Pines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pembroke Pines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Starting Your nutrition Career in Pembroke Pines

In Pembroke Pines, employers such as local hospitals, long-term care facilities, and public health organizations often recruit new graduates for dietitian and nutritionist roles. Hospitals typically offer clinical nutrition positions that include rotations in various departments such as med-surg, ICU, and outpatient care, while companies like Sodexo and Aramark also hire for long-term care nutrition services. For those looking to bolster their entry-level pay, obtaining a Bachelor's degree along with completion of an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship is essential; the transition to requiring a Master's degree for the RDN credential in 2024 will impact the hiring landscape. Certifying with the CDR as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist along with optional specialty certifications can enhance job prospects. Growth in private practice models, emphasizing cash-pay arrangements and intuitive eating or Health at Every Size (HAES) approaches, could offer further opportunities. Realistically, salaries may rise with experience, potentially aligning with the 25th percentile after a few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Pembroke Pines in 2026?

Entry-level dietitians and nutritionists in Pembroke Pines start at approximately $48,013/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.90% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $23.08/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do dietitian and nutritionist salaries grow in Pembroke Pines?

Most dietitians and nutritionists in Pembroke Pines progress from the entry-level salary of $48,013 to the area median of $78,413 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $112,556 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nutrition school worth it in Pembroke Pines?

With a starting salary of $48,013/year in Pembroke Pines and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new dietitians and nutritionists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new dietitians and nutritionists make right out of school in Pembroke Pines?

New nutrition graduates in Pembroke Pines typically start near the 10th percentile at $48,013/year, or approximately $23.08/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a dietitian and nutritionist in Florida?

To become a licensed dietitian and nutritionist in Florida, you typically need bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Florida, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some dietitians and nutritionists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Florida

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Gomez, RDNData verified by Emily Chen, MS, RDN

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nutrition graduates. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Pembroke Pines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Pembroke Pines is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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