Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Maricopa, AZ: $38.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Maricopa, AZ runs $38.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,256 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Maricopa's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,549 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dietitians and nutritionists in Maricopa, Arizona, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $38.10 in 2026. This figure is quite close to the national median of $38.16, illustrating that local professionals do not fall far behind their counterparts across the United States. For those considering part-time employment—such as working three days a week—this hourly pay translates to approximately $30,000 annually, making it a viable option for many in the healthcare settings, including hospitals and outpatient clinics, or in long-term care facilities. Entry-level practitioners may earn around $24.51 per hour, while more seasoned professionals can see rates as high as $50.66—indicating a promising range for career advancement within the profession. Hourly rates, when derived from annual salary data, allows for a nuanced understanding of how dietitians and nutritionists can navigate their compensation in various work environments in Maricopa.
About the Maricopa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.51 | $196.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.23 | $249.86 |
| Median (P50) | $38.10 | $304.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.17 | $353.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.66 | $405.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maricopa
Based on $38.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.10/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maricopa, AZ can expect to earn approximately $79,248 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,720. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maricopa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maricopa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,524.01 | $6,604 | $79,248 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $914.40 | $3,962 | $47,549 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $609.60 | $2,642 | $31,699 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Maricopa) | $38.10 |
| 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 Maricopa, AZ earn a median of $79,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.40% above the Arizona state average of $78,162.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.10/hr = $47,549/year (purchasing power: $48,273).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,248/year (purchasing power: $80,455).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Maricopa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Maricopa grew 24.7% from $29.41/hr (2019) to $36.67/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.59/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 Maricopa 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 Maricopa
Part-time dietitians and nutritionists earning $38.10 hourly have the potential to take home about $30,000 annually by working just 24 hours per week. For those considering per diem roles, the flexibility offered can come with an attractive financial return, as per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Maricopa often ranges from $50 to $80 per hour, with specialties like sports nutrition consulting commanding rates often between $80 and $150 per hour. Hourly earnings vary significantly depending on the employer; for instance, while hospitals and long-term care facilities may provide steady hourly wages, private practice opportunities provide flexibility but also necessitate negotiation for higher pay. Many choose lower hourly rates in exchange for employer-provided health insurance, highlighting a common trade-off in the industry. Professionals should be prepared to articulate their value, particularly when negotiating their hourly rates, especially in a growing market that now often emphasizes cash-pay practices. Understanding the dynamics of the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Maricopa is essential to making informed career choices in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Maricopa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Maricopa in 2026?
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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 Maricopa. 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 Maricopa 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