Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Waukee, IA: $35.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Waukee, IA runs $35.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,281 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Waukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,970 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Waukee, IA, earn a median hourly rate of $35.23, which reflects a competitive position within the broader national context where the median hourly pay stands at $38.16. This figure is significant for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, as they can expect to find opportunities across various settings, including outpatient clinics, school food service programs, and even virtual telehealth services. The hourly range available to dietitians and nutritionists in the area spans from $23.64 for entry-level positions to $43.71 for those at the top of the pay scale, indicating ample room for career growth. These rates are estimated based on annual salary data, making them a useful guideline for prospective workers considering options in both clinical and community nutrition.
About the Waukee 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) | $23.64 | $189.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.52 | $236.14 |
| Median (P50) | $35.23 | $281.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.33 | $314.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.71 | $349.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukee
Based on $35.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.23/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukee, IA can expect to earn approximately $73,284 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,279. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,409.30 | $6,107 | $73,284 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $845.58 | $3,664 | $43,970 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $563.72 | $2,443 | $29,313 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Waukee) | $35.23 |
| 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 Waukee, IA earn a median of $73,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.68% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $76,573.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.23/hr = $43,970/year (purchasing power: $48,640).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,284/year (purchasing power: $81,066).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Waukee grew 24.7% from $27.19/hr (2019) to $33.91/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.61/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 Waukee 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 Waukee
In addition to traditional hourly pay, part-time dietitians and nutritionists in Waukee must consider the financial implications of their work schedules. A professional working three days a week, for a total of 24 hours, would typically earn substantial income; however, annual earnings would still be notably lower compared to full-time positions. For those opting for per-diem work, often billed at $50 to $80 per hour, the financial prospects become more lucrative, particularly in specialized areas such as sports nutrition consulting or cash-pay private practices, which can charge $150 to $300 for a single session. It's also essential to recognize that hourly rates can differ significantly depending on the type of employer, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, or corporate wellness programs, affecting the benefits available. While some professionals may accept lower hourly rates for the added security of health insurance, others might prefer the higher pay of positions without benefits. Negotiating hourly rates effectively in Waukee could involve emphasizing unique skill sets or recent credentials, making a case for higher pay based on the evolving expectations of the field, especially given the upcoming transition to a master's degree for the RDN credential by 2024.
More salary data for Waukee, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Waukee in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Waukee?
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Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Waukee?
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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 Waukee. 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 Waukee 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