Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Surprise, AZ: $37.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Surprise, AZ runs $37.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,020 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Surprise's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,810 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Surprise, Arizona, dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay reaches a median of $37.51/hr, just slightly below the national median of $38.16/hr. This competitive rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time practitioners in various settings, from hospital clinical nutrition consults to outpatient counseling. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the flexible schedule allows professionals to tailor their income to their needs while still providing essential services in environments like long-term care facilities or school kitchens. The hourly range in Surprise varies significantly, with entry-level positions at around $24.52/hr and top earners reaching up to $52.04/hr, indicating a diverse landscape of earning potential based on experience and specialty.
About the Surprise 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) | $24.52 | $196.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.07 | $248.53 |
| Median (P50) | $37.51 | $300.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.52 | $356.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.04 | $416.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Surprise
Based on $37.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.51/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Surprise, AZ can expect to earn approximately $78,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,009. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Surprise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Surprise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,500.32 | $6,501 | $78,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $900.19 | $3,901 | $46,810 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $600.13 | $2,601 | $31,207 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Surprise) | $37.51 |
| 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 Surprise, AZ earn a median of $78,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $78,176.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.51/hr = $46,810/year (purchasing power: $47,523).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,016/year (purchasing power: $79,204).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Surprise grew 24.7% from $28.95/hr (2019) to $36.10/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.97/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 Surprise 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 Surprise
Exploring the financial realities for dietitians and nutritionists in Surprise reveals a compelling picture, especially for part-time professionals. A dietitian working three days a week may earn about $46,896 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts, but still a respectable income. Per diem dietitians often command higher hourly rates, billing anywhere from $50 to $80/hr, especially in specialized fields like sports nutrition, which can peak at $150/hr. However, those in permanent positions may have trade-offs, such as job security and benefits, making lower hourly rates more appealing. The type of employer can also influence pay; dietitians in clinical settings may have different rates compared to those in public health or private practice environments. When negotiating hourly pay, professionals should consider their unique skill set and the burgeoning cash-pay market, which reflects a shift towards more individualized care models beyond traditional insurance frameworks.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Surprise. 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 Surprise 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