Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Shelton, CT: $39.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Shelton, CT runs $39.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,029 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Shelton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,222 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shelton, Connecticut, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $39.44 in 2026, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $38.16. This advantageous rate opens doors for various employment structures, especially for part-time and per-diem workers. For those working three days a week, taking on about 24 hours, this role in settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices can yield a stable income. Entry-level positions typically start around $26.00 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $50.71 per hour, indicating a healthy pay scale that allows for growth within the field. This hourly estimate is derived from the annual salary data that inform overall compensation within the profession.
About the Shelton Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.00 | $207.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.67 | $261.33 |
| Median (P50) | $39.44 | $315.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.70 | $365.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.71 | $405.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shelton
Based on $39.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.44/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shelton, CT can expect to earn approximately $82,036 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,329. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shelton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shelton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,577.62 | $6,836 | $82,036 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $946.57 | $4,102 | $49,222 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $631.05 | $2,735 | $32,814 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Shelton) | $39.44 |
| 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 Shelton, CT earn a median of $82,029 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.34% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 1.60% below the Connecticut state average of $83,363.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.44/hr = $49,222/year (purchasing power: $45,618).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,036/year (purchasing power: $76,030).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Shelton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Shelton grew 24.7% from $30.44/hr (2019) to $37.96/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.98/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 Shelton 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 Shelton
For those considering part-time work, a dietitian and nutritionist maintaining a three-day work schedule could realistically take home significantly less compared to full-time counterparts. If this professional manages to secure a role as a per-diem worker or in a consulting capacity, they might see per diem rates ranging widely from $50 to $80 per hour, with specialized services, such as sports nutrition consulting, reaching up to $150 per hour. In Shelton, employers vary from clinical settings to corporate wellness programs, which can impact pay. Many dietitians opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others pursue higher pay without benefits. Negotiating effectively is key; knowing the average rates across different settings can provide leverage when discussing compensation packages. Keeping abreast of the rising trend in cash-pay practices can also be beneficial for those seeking to enter or expand within the field.
More salary data for Shelton, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Shelton in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Shelton?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Shelton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Shelton?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Shelton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Connecticut
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 Shelton. 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 Shelton 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