Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $38.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Thornton, CO runs $38.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,119 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,068 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Registered dietitians and nutritionists in Thornton, Colorado, enjoy a competitive hourly pay rate, with a median of $38.52 per hour in 2026. This figure exceeds the national median hourly rate of $38.16, highlighting the slightly higher demand or cost of living in the area. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day work schedule, this hourly rate translates to approximately $59,000 annually, making it a viable option for those looking to maintain a work-life balance. Per-diem positions offer additional flexibility, especially in settings like outpatient clinics or private practice, with some professionals earning between $50 and $80 per hour. The hourly wage can vary significantly based on experience and specialization, ranging from $23.23 for entry-level positions to as much as $54.73 for top earners in the field. These numbers are reflective of the growing demand for dietitian and nutritionist services across various sectors, including sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs.
About the Thornton 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) | $23.23 | $185.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.42 | $243.38 |
| Median (P50) | $38.52 | $308.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.61 | $372.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.73 | $437.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $38.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.52/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $80,113 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,219. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,540.63 | $6,676 | $80,113 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $924.38 | $4,006 | $48,068 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $616.25 | $2,670 | $32,045 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Thornton) | $38.52 |
| 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 Thornton, CO earn a median of $80,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.93% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $78,858.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.52/hr = $48,068/year (purchasing power: $45,779).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,113/year (purchasing power: $76,298).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Thornton grew 24.7% from $29.73/hr (2019) to $37.07/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.02/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 Thornton 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 Thornton
Understanding the earning potential for part-time dietitians and nutritionists in Thornton reveals practical implications for those balancing multiple roles or considering flexible employment arrangements. For example, a part-time dietitian working 24 hours a week, often in hospital or clinic settings, takes home a manageable income that may not compare to full-time earnings but still provides a solid foundation in the field. Those pursuing per-diem opportunities often have the ability to command $50 to $80 per hour, especially in specialized areas like sports nutrition, where consulting fees can climb to $150 or more for cash-pay clients. Hourly rates can fluctuate significantly depending on the employer type; dietitians in hospitals might earn less than those in thriving private practices or corporate wellness roles, which sometimes offer a higher rate with fewer benefits. Negotiating for hourly pay can also differ greatly in Thornton, where professionals must weigh the value of job security and benefits against opting for higher hourly rates without them.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Thornton in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Thornton?
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How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Thornton?
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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 Thornton. 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 Thornton 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