Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Tampa, FL: $37.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Tampa, FL runs $37.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,016 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Tampa's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,406 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dietitians and nutritionists in Tampa, FL, will earn a median hourly rate of $37.99, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $38.16. This hourly pay becomes particularly relevant for those considering part-time positions or per diem work—typical in settings like outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. For example, a dietitian working three days a week could earn around $29,000 annually, making this profession viable for those seeking flexibility in their work-life balance. The hourly pay range for dietitians and nutritionists generally varies from $27.42 for entry-level positions (P10) to $47.21 for experienced top earners (P90), creating diverse opportunities depending on expertise, type of employer, and specific job responsibilities.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.42 | $219.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.70 | $253.60 |
| Median (P50) | $37.99 | $303.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.03 | $328.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.21 | $377.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tampa
Based on $37.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.99/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tampa, FL can expect to earn approximately $79,011 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,583. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tampa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tampa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,519.43 | $6,584 | $79,011 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $911.66 | $3,951 | $47,406 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.77 | $2,634 | $31,604 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Tampa) | $37.99 |
| 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 Tampa, FL earn a median of $79,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.46% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 2.90% above the Florida state average of $76,789.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.99/hr = $47,406/year (purchasing power: $46,988).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,011/year (purchasing power: $78,314).
CoL index: 100.89 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Tampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Tampa grew 25.9% from $29.03/hr (2019) to $36.56/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.47/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 Tampa 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 Tampa
Examining the earning potential for part-time versus full-time work reveals significant differences in overall income. A part-time dietitian and nutritionist working just 24 hours a week may take home under $30,000 annually, while full-time professionals can earn around $79,016. For those opting for per-diem or agency roles, billing rates can vary widely—ranging from $50 to $80 per hour, with specialty consulting in sports nutrition potentially demanding rates of $80 to $150. In private practice, the cash-pay model has gained traction, allowing RDNs to charge anywhere from $150 to $300 for a 60-minute session. While hourly wages can differ significantly across employer types—such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and corporate wellness programs—benefits may sway decisions. Some dietitians accept lower pay in exchange for health insurance, whereas others choose higher hourly rates without benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for negotiations; being informed about the typical pay for specific roles helps dietitians and nutritionists advocate effectively for their worth in the Tampa job market.
More salary data for Tampa, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Tampa in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Tampa?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Tampa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Tampa?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Tampa?
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 Tampa. 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