Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Dubuque, IA: $37.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Dubuque, IA runs $37.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,506 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Dubuque's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,499 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dubuque, Iowa, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $37.26 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $38.16. This rate is significant for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, allowing them to earn a respectable income while managing personal commitments. In typical settings, like outpatient clinics or school kitchens, the pay range for dietitians and nutritionists can vary considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $23.87 and top earners possibly reaching $50.74 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary data, illustrating a broad spectrum of opportunities for dietitians across various sectors, from long-term care facilities to private practice environments.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.87 | $190.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.46 | $243.71 |
| Median (P50) | $37.26 | $298.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.92 | $351.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.74 | $405.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dubuque
Based on $37.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.26/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dubuque, IA can expect to earn approximately $77,498 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,710. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dubuque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dubuque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,490.34 | $6,458 | $77,498 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $894.20 | $3,875 | $46,499 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $596.14 | $2,583 | $30,999 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Dubuque) | $37.26 |
| 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 Dubuque, IA earn a median of $77,506 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.36% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $76,587.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.26/hr = $46,499/year (purchasing power: $51,437).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,498/year (purchasing power: $85,728).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Dubuque grew 24.7% from $28.76/hr (2019) to $35.86/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.71/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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque
When considering a part-time schedule, a dietitian working 24 hours a week might take home approximately $46,250 annually, considerably lower than a full-time salary but still viable for individuals seeking work-life balance. The options for per-diem positions often yield even greater hourly compensation, with many professionals in this field billing between $50-$80 per hour for agency work. Additionally, specialized roles such as sports nutrition consulting can command hourly rates as high as $150. In Dubuque, hourly wages may fluctuate based on employer type—hospital systems, outpatient specialty clinics, or private practices—affecting overall benefits. Some practitioners may choose lower hourly rates for the assurance of health insurance, while others may pursue higher rates in cash-pay models, reflecting their values and priorities. For those negotiating jobs, highlighting unique qualifications or experience can enhance their leverage in discussions about pay.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Dubuque in 2026?
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Career Resources
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 Dubuque. 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 Dubuque 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