Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Panama City, FL: $36.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Panama City, FL runs $36.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,699 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Panama City's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,019 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Panama City, FL, earn a median hourly rate of $36.87, which is slightly below the national median of $38.16. For professionals in this field, this hourly compensation translates into diverse job opportunities across settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools. Those who work part-time, say three days a week, can expect to achieve a good standard of living, while per-diem roles can yield higher flexibility with rates that often cater to the variety of services offered. Entry-level positions start at around $23.67 per hour, while the top earners can make up to $41.15 per hour, indicating a healthy pay scale for those advancing in their careers. This data comes from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.67 | $189.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.34 | $242.71 |
| Median (P50) | $36.87 | $294.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.21 | $313.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.15 | $329.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Panama City
Based on $36.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.87/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Panama City, FL can expect to earn approximately $76,698 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,249. With a cost-of-living index of 97.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Panama City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Panama City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,474.96 | $6,392 | $76,698 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $884.98 | $3,835 | $46,019 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $589.99 | $2,557 | $30,679 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Panama City) | $36.87 |
| 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 Panama City, FL earn a median of $76,699 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.38% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 0.10% below the Florida state average of $76,776.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.87/hr = $46,019/year (purchasing power: $47,298).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,698/year (purchasing power: $78,830).
CoL index: 97.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Panama City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Panama City grew 11.6% from $31.81/hr (2019) to $35.49/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.31/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 Panama City 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 Panama City
Part-time dietitians and nutritionists working approximately 24 hours per week may typically earn around $46,000 annually. This contrasts with full-time counterparts who benefit from more consistent work schedules and benefits, though the latter may command a lower hourly rate in exchange for job security. Meanwhile, per diem or 1099 registered dietitian nutritionists often charge between $50 to $80 an hour, and specialized areas, such as sports consulting, can fetch between $80 and $150. Additionally, dietitians in Panama City will notice distinct pay scales that vary by employer type; for example, positions in public health clinics may offer lower pay compared to private practice roles, which can benefit from direct cash-pay models. For those entering negotiations, understanding the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits — such as health insurance — is crucial in making informed career choices in the evolving landscape of dietetics and nutrition in Panama City, FL.
More salary data for Panama City, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Panama City in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Panama City?
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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 Panama City. 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, 5-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