Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $36.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Aurora, CO runs $36.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,244 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,747 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, dietitians and nutritionists earn a median hourly pay of $36.66, which is slightly below the national median of $38.16. This hourly rate reflects the financial realities faced by professionals in this field, particularly considering various work arrangements such as part-time positions or per-diem roles. For those working part-time, typically around three days a week, the opportunity for flexible hours is appealing, especially in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, hospitals, and community health initiatives. The hourly range demonstrates disparity within the profession as entry-level positions can start as low as $22.73, while more experienced practitioners may command up to $51.59, allowing for significant earnings potential depending on expertise and location.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.73 | $181.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.50 | $235.98 |
| Median (P50) | $36.66 | $293.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.70 | $349.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.59 | $412.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $36.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.66/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $76,244 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,987. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,466.24 | $6,354 | $76,244 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $879.74 | $3,812 | $45,747 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $586.49 | $2,541 | $30,498 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Aurora) | $36.66 |
| 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 Aurora, CO earn a median of $76,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.95% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.30% below the Colorado state average of $78,846.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.66/hr = $45,747/year (purchasing power: $43,568).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,244/year (purchasing power: $72,614).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Aurora grew 24.7% from $28.29/hr (2019) to $35.28/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.09/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
Part-time dietitians and nutritionists working a 24-hour week in Aurora can anticipate an annual take-home significantly reduced compared to their full-time counterparts, translating their efforts into an estimated salary that reflects their reduced hours without sacrificing career fulfillment. For those opting for per-diem work, the compensation structure can vary widely, with freelance dietitians billing anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour. In specialized fields like sports nutrition, rates can escalate dramatically—between $80 to $150 hourly—while direct-pay private practice professionals may charge $150 to $300 per session. The disparity in hourly pay is also influenced by employer type, with public health clinics and long-term care facilities often offering lower rates but accompanied by benefits, which can be attractive for some. For those willing to forego benefits, negotiating for higher hourly rates can yield better immediate compensation, making it crucial for dietitians and nutritionists in Aurora to evaluate their priorities when considering job opportunities.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Aurora?
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How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Aurora?
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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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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