Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Fort Lauderdale, FL: $39.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Fort Lauderdale, FL runs $39.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Fort Lauderdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,988 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dietitians and nutritionists working in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can expect a median hourly pay of $39.25 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $38.16. This rate allows professionals in this field to take advantage of various work arrangements, making it viable for part-time positions, such as three days a week, or per-diem roles. Clinicians may find themselves conducting nutrition consult rounds in hospitals, leading sessions in outpatient clinics, or providing dietary counseling in WIC offices. The hourly pay range for dietitians and nutritionists in the area extends from $25.52 for entry-level positions to as much as $54.27 for top earners, reflecting the diverse experience levels and settings in which they operate. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, emphasizing the potential variety in compensation based on specific job functions and hours worked.
About the Fort Lauderdale 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) | $25.52 | $204.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.40 | $259.17 |
| Median (P50) | $39.25 | $314.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.35 | $378.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.27 | $434.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Lauderdale
Based on $39.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.25/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Lauderdale, FL can expect to earn approximately $81,647 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,104. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fort Lauderdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Lauderdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,570.14 | $6,804 | $81,647 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $942.08 | $4,082 | $48,988 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $628.05 | $2,722 | $32,659 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Fort Lauderdale) | $39.25 |
| 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL earn a median of $81,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.87% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 6.40% above the Florida state average of $76,745.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.25/hr = $48,988/year (purchasing power: $48,599).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,647/year (purchasing power: $80,999).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Fort Lauderdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Fort Lauderdale grew 24.7% from $30.30/hr (2019) to $37.78/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.78/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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale
For those considering part-time work, a dietitian or nutritionist clocking in at 24 hours a week still generates a substantial annual income. In comparison to full-time workers, this setup offers flexibility while earning a competitive income. Per-diem or agency dietitians and nutritionists often rate their services between $50 and $80 per hour, particularly in specialized fields like sports nutrition, where rates can escalate to $150 or more per hour for consulting. Variations arise in hourly pay across different employer types within Fort Lauderdale; clinical nutrition departments in hospitals may offer lower rates compared to high-demand private practices or corporate wellness programs. The trade-offs between higher hourly pay without benefits and lower rates with health insurance can influence career choices. For hourly workers, effective negotiation is critical, especially in a competitive market where specialized services are increasingly sought after.
More salary data for Fort Lauderdale, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Fort Lauderdale in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Fort Lauderdale?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Fort Lauderdale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Fort Lauderdale?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Lauderdale?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale 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