Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Ponce, PR: $21.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Ponce, PR runs $21.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,708 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Puerto Rico's regional price level (BEA RPP 75.0, 25% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,828 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Ponce, PR, is projected to be $21.50 in 2026, which contrasts sharply with the national median of $38.16. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $1,080 weekly based on a standard 40-hour schedule, or about $56,160 annually if consistent. This may be appealing for those pursuing roles in various settings, including hospital clinical nutrition consult rounds, outpatient clinics, or private practice. Entry-level dietitians can earn around $13.94 per hour, while established professionals at the higher end can make $45.32. These figures reflect the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, illustrating the potential earning landscape for dietitians and nutritionists in Ponce.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.94 | $111.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.62 | $148.95 |
| Median (P50) | $21.50 | $171.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.72 | $197.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.32 | $362.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ponce
Based on $21.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.50/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ponce, PR can expect to earn approximately $44,714 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,796.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ponce
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $859.88 | $3,726 | $44,714 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $515.93 | $2,236 | $26,828 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.95 | $1,490 | $17,885 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Ponce) | $21.50 |
| 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 Ponce, PR earn a median of $44,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 43.68% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 24.90% below the Puerto Rico state average of $59,532.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Ponce (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Ponce grew 18.6% from $17.44/hr (2019) to $20.69/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.34/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 Ponce 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 Ponce
When considering the full earning potential of dietitians and nutritionists in Ponce, many professionals choose to work per diem or agency roles. These positions can yield per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Ponce ranging from $50 to $80 per hour, while sports nutrition consulting can command fees as high as $150 per hour. Cash-pay private practice RDNs also benefit from these models, often charging between $150 and $300 for a 60-minute session. Although hourly rates vary significantly across different employers—such as hospital clinical departments or corporate wellness programs—the trade-off between higher pay and having health insurance can influence many dietitians’ decisions. For those negotiating hourly rates in Ponce, articulating their qualifications, particularly with the new master's degree requirements for the RDN credential, can provide leverage in securing better pay. Ultimately, striking a balance between hourly compensation and benefits is a key consideration for professionals in this field.
More salary data for Ponce, PR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Ponce. 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