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 100.8 — 1% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pembroke Pines
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 $78,413 — 1.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,609 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,503 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,036 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,551 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,276 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,211 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,013 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,886 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pembroke Pines 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.
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.
More salary data for Pembroke Pines, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for dietitians and nutritionists in Pembroke Pines in 2026?
How fast do dietitian and nutritionist salaries grow in Pembroke Pines?
Is nutrition school worth it in Pembroke Pines?
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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
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).
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