Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Copperas Cove, TX: $34.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Copperas Cove, TX runs $34.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,238 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Copperas Cove's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,738 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Copperas Cove, Texas, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median of $34.25. This figure is notably lower than the national average hourly rate of $38.16, positioning local professionals slightly behind their peers nationwide. For those considering part-time roles—such as three days a week—these hourly earnings can translate into a manageable income, offering flexibility that is often desired in both hospital settings and private practices. The hourly rate ranges from $24.04 for entry-level positions up to $45.77 for more experienced dietitians, reflecting the diverse opportunities found in various environments, including outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and school districts. Depending on the role and employer, dietitians and nutritionists can expect to find different earning potentials, with unique factors influencing hourly compensation in each setting.
About the Copperas Cove Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.04 | $192.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.69 | $229.49 |
| Median (P50) | $34.25 | $273.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.00 | $320.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.77 | $366.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Copperas Cove
Based on $34.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.25/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Copperas Cove, TX can expect to earn approximately $71,231 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,095. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Copperas Cove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Copperas Cove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,369.82 | $5,936 | $71,231 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $821.89 | $3,562 | $42,738 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $547.93 | $2,374 | $28,492 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Copperas Cove) | $34.25 |
| 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 Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $71,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.26% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $73,669.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.25/hr = $42,738/year (purchasing power: $44,519).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,231/year (purchasing power: $74,198).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Copperas Cove grew 24.7% from $26.43/hr (2019) to $32.96/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.58/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 Copperas Cove 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 Copperas Cove
Employment in this field varies, creating distinct earning potentials for part-time versus full-time roles. For example, a dietitian working 24 hours a week at the current hourly median can expect to earn around $42,600 annually, a significant contrast to full-time salaries. Moreover, opportunities for per diem work can yield even greater returns, allowing per diem dietitian and nutritionists to command hourly rates ranging from $50 to $80, and even higher for specialized sports nutrition consulting, which can reach between $80 and $150. The earnings potential shifts based on where a dietitian works—hospitals may offer benefits that justify lower hourly pay, while private practice opportunities can result in higher compensation without health insurance coverage. For those in Copperas Cove, exploring negotiation tactics, understanding market rates, and aligning their skills with employer expectations can enhance their earning potential while navigating this dynamic career landscape.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Copperas Cove in 2026?
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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 Copperas Cove. 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 Copperas Cove 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