Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CO: $37.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Lakewood, CO runs $37.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,940 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,367 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Lakewood, CO, face an hourly median pay of $37.95, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $38.16. This hourly rate allows for various employment arrangements, such as part-time positions that often include working three days a week or per-diem roles in diverse settings like hospital clinical nutrition consult rounds and outpatient clinics. Given the hourly pay structure, entry-level positions may start around $24.99, while highly experienced professionals can earn as much as $52.87 per hour. Whether in long-term care environments or private practice and virtual counseling sessions, these hourly statistics, projected for 2026, give valuable insight into the financial viability of careers in nutrition in Lakewood.
About the Lakewood 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) | $24.99 | $199.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.56 | $252.52 |
| Median (P50) | $37.95 | $303.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.19 | $361.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.87 | $423.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $37.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.95/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CO can expect to earn approximately $78,946 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,546. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,518.19 | $6,579 | $78,946 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $910.91 | $3,947 | $47,367 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.27 | $2,632 | $31,578 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Lakewood) | $37.95 |
| 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 Lakewood, CO earn a median of $78,940 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.55% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $78,861.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.95/hr = $47,367/year (purchasing power: $45,112).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,946/year (purchasing power: $75,186).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Lakewood grew 24.7% from $29.30/hr (2019) to $36.53/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.43/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
With a part-time schedule of 24 hours per week, a dietitian and nutritionist could potentially earn around $47,055 annually, a considerable difference from a full-time salary that can reach up to $78,940 given a full workload. For those considering per-diem or locum tenens roles, the financial landscape often reveals even greater earning potential, as many professionals in this sector bill rates that fluctuate between $50 and $80 per hour, with specialized sports nutrition consultants charging up to $150. In Lakewood, workplace settings significantly influence hourly rates; for example, clinical facilities, school districts, and public health clinics may offer different compensation compared to private practice or corporate wellness programs. While some may accept lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay per hour without benefits. Negotiating effectively for hourly pay can be vital, focusing on the value brought to diverse employer types and staying informed about current market rates in the field.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Lakewood?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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