Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $37.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Boulder, CO runs $37.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,852 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,706 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Boulder, CO, currently stands at $37.42, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $38.16. This competitive rate positions professionals well, especially for those considering part-time roles or per-diem work. With many dietitians and nutritionists working in settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, or even schools, the flexibility of part-time schedules—typically three days a week—can yield around $28,186 annually, making it an attractive option for those seeking work-life balance. According to official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the hourly pay ranges from $19.68 at the lower end of the spectrum for entry-level positions to $51.13 for experienced practitioners, indicating opportunities for growth and specialization within Boulder’s thriving health sector.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.68 | $157.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.33 | $258.67 |
| Median (P50) | $37.42 | $299.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.71 | $365.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.13 | $409.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $37.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.42/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $77,844 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,910. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,496.99 | $6,487 | $77,844 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $898.19 | $3,892 | $46,706 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $598.80 | $2,595 | $31,137 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Boulder) | $37.42 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $77,852 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.92% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.30% below the Colorado state average of $78,878.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.42/hr = $46,706/year (purchasing power: $44,397).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,844/year (purchasing power: $73,994).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+60.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Boulder grew 48.2% from $24.31/hr (2019) to $36.02/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.88/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
Examining the part-time potential, a dietitian or nutritionist working 24 hours a week may earn about $28,186 annually, while full-time professionals can achieve significantly higher earnings. Per diem dietitians find new opportunities available, often charging between $50 and $80 per hour, while specialized roles, such as sports consulting, can command rates upwards of $150 per hour. Additionally, hourly wages can vary across employer types in Boulder; those in hospital settings might earn less than their counterparts in private practice, especially when considering benefits packages. Though some professionals may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, others may choose the freelance route to maximize income. For those looking to negotiate pay in this dynamic market, it's essential to assess the full compensation package, including benefits versus hourly rates, while staying informed on local market trends.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Boulder in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Boulder?
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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 Boulder. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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