Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Brighton, CO: $36.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Brighton, CO runs $36.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,189 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Brighton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,111 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brighton, Colorado, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $36.15 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $38.16 per hour. This hourly rate offers valuable opportunities for part-time roles, like those working three days a week, and per-diem jobs, enabling professionals to earn at competitive rates while maintaining flexible schedules. Hourly earnings in Brighton may vary widely, ranging from $24.54 for entry-level positions to upwards of $48.60 for experienced practitioners. The potential for hourly pay, framed within the context of annual salaries, can be quite appealing when considering the work settings typical for this profession, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practice environments.
About the Brighton 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) | $24.54 | $196.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.46 | $243.71 |
| Median (P50) | $36.15 | $289.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.40 | $339.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.60 | $388.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brighton
Based on $36.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.15/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brighton, CO can expect to earn approximately $75,185 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,376. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brighton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brighton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,445.87 | $6,265 | $75,185 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $867.52 | $3,759 | $45,111 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $578.35 | $2,506 | $30,074 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Brighton) | $36.15 |
| 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 Brighton, CO earn a median of $75,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.28% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $78,897.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.15/hr = $45,111/year (purchasing power: $42,963).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,185/year (purchasing power: $71,605).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Brighton grew 24.7% from $27.90/hr (2019) to $34.79/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.56/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 Brighton 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 Brighton
When examining the financial landscape for dietitians and nutritionists in Brighton, the earning potential for part-time practitioners is significant. A dietitian working part-time, approximately 24 hours a week, could expect to take home around $46,000 annually, tapping into a steady income with fewer hours compared to their full-time counterparts. For those opting for per-diem work, it’s common to see billing rates ranging between $50 and $80 an hour. Specialized areas such as sports nutrition consulting can yield even more lucrative pay, with rates reaching $150 per hour. However, the hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer type—those in hospitals or corporate wellness programs might earn less but often enjoy benefits such as health insurance, which is an important consideration for many. For successful negotiations, dietitians in Brighton should research local market rates and employ assertive strategies, particularly when discussing positions that may not include traditional benefits. With the changing educational landscape and the growth of cash-pay practices, there are multiple avenues for earning potential in this field.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Brighton in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Brighton?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Brighton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Brighton?
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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 Brighton. 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 Brighton 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