Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Clearwater, FL: $38.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Clearwater, FL runs $38.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,544 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Clearwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,730 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Clearwater, Florida, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay reflects a vibrant market for this profession, with a median rate of $38.25 per hour, slightly above the national median of $38.16 per hour. This competitive pay rate is favorable for both full-time professionals and those seeking part-time or per-diem roles, common in settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practice offices. A part-time schedule, working typically three days a week, can yield substantial income, while per-diem workers may benefit from flexible arrangements that allow for work in various high-demand environments, including school district food services and WIC counseling offices. Entry-level positions may start at $23.13 per hour, while experienced dietitians can command rates as high as $54.52 per hour, highlighting the diverse earning potential within the field.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.13 | $185.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.26 | $242.05 |
| Median (P50) | $38.25 | $305.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.27 | $370.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.52 | $436.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clearwater
Based on $38.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.25/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clearwater, FL can expect to earn approximately $79,551 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,895. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clearwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clearwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,529.82 | $6,629 | $79,551 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $917.89 | $3,978 | $47,730 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $611.93 | $2,652 | $31,820 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Clearwater) | $38.25 |
| 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 Clearwater, FL earn a median of $79,544 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.21% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 3.60% above the Florida state average of $76,780.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.25/hr = $47,730/year (purchasing power: $47,352).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,551/year (purchasing power: $78,919).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Clearwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Clearwater grew 24.7% from $29.52/hr (2019) to $36.81/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.74/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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater
For a dietitian or nutritionist pursuing part-time work in Clearwater, those opting for a 24-hour work week can realistically expect to earn around $47,880 annually, a figure that aligns well with many who prefer the balance of part-time work while still reaping some benefits. In contrast, per-diem dietitians often charge between $50 and $80 per hour, with specialists in sports nutrition potentially making $80-$150 per consultation and cash-pay practitioners charging $150-$300 for a 60-minute session. Hourly rates can vary based on employer type; for instance, roles in hospital settings may offer lower starting rates than private practice or corporate wellness programs. The decision to accept a lower hourly rate often comes down to considerations of health insurance and job stability versus higher pay without benefits. For Clearwater industry professionals, understanding these dynamics can aid in effective negotiation strategies—being transparent about desired compensation and flexible about work arrangements while emphasizing qualifications can further enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Clearwater in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Clearwater?
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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 Clearwater. 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 Clearwater 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