Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Cape Coral, FL: $38.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Cape Coral, FL runs $38.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Cape Coral's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.3, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,951 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cape Coral, Florida, the projected median hourly pay for dietitians and nutritionists is set at $38.42, surpassing the national median of $38.16. This competitive rate offers considerable opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers who typically engage in a variety of settings, including hospital clinical nutrition consult rounds, outpatient counseling rooms, and long-term care facilities. For a dietitian or nutritionist working part-time at three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a balance between flexibility and financial sustainability. Entry-level professionals in the area can expect to earn around $23.48 per hour, whereas those at the top of their field can make as much as $48.59 per hour, reflecting the diverse experiences and specializations within this occupation. The figures presented here derive from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and provide a comprehensive snapshot of the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Cape Coral for 2026.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.48 | $187.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.68 | $253.43 |
| Median (P50) | $38.42 | $307.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.35 | $322.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.59 | $388.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Coral
Based on $38.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.42/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Coral, FL can expect to earn approximately $79,918 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,107. With a cost-of-living index of 102.35 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cape Coral.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Coral
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,536.89 | $6,660 | $79,918 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $922.13 | $3,996 | $47,951 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $614.76 | $2,664 | $31,967 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Cape Coral) | $38.42 |
| 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 Cape Coral, FL earn a median of $79,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.68% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 4.10% above the Florida state average of $76,772.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.42/hr = $47,951/year (purchasing power: $46,850).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,918/year (purchasing power: $78,084).
CoL index: 102.349 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+60.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Cape Coral (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Cape Coral grew 48.5% from $24.91/hr (2019) to $36.98/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.92/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 Cape Coral 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 Cape Coral
When diving deeper into earning potential, a dietitian and nutritionist working part-time, say 24 hours a week, would provide a significantly different annual take-home than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem and agency professionals, who often bill between $50 and $80 per hour, can find even greater financial rewards in specialized areas, such as sports nutrition consulting, where fees can range from $80 to $150 per hour. Additionally, cash-paying RDNs in private practice have the potential to charge anywhere between $150 to $300 for a 60-minute session. There is a noticeable variation in hourly compensation across employer types in Cape Coral; while hospitals and government clinics may offer lower hourly rates, they often come with health benefits, making some professionals willing to accept these lower rates for security. For those interested in pursuing more lucrative self-employed opportunities, effectively negotiating services, understanding client pricing, and capitalizing on the trends in cash-pay practice will be key in maximizing earnings in the vibrant Cape Coral market.
More salary data for Cape Coral, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Cape Coral in 2026?
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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 Cape Coral. 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