Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Federal Way, WA: $39.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Federal Way, WA runs $39.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,248 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Federal Way's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Federal Way, the projected median hourly pay for dietitians and nutritionists is $39.07, slightly above the national median of $38.16. This hourly rate is particularly beneficial for part-time professionals working three days a week, allowing them to balance work with other commitments. With an hourly range from $25.12 at the entry-level to $53.65 for the top earners, dietitians and nutritionists in federal settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, or in private practice have various opportunities to tailor their work schedules. Those interested in per-diem positions can also find flexible work options across various environments, including clinical nutrition consult rounds and school district kitchens. Given these estimates, individuals can build a rewarding career with ample opportunities to increase their income as they gain experience and credentials.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.12 | $200.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.03 | $256.26 |
| Median (P50) | $39.07 | $312.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.05 | $368.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.65 | $429.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Federal Way
Based on $39.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.07/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Federal Way, WA can expect to earn approximately $81,258 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,880. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Federal Way.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Federal Way
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,562.66 | $6,772 | $81,258 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $937.59 | $4,063 | $48,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $625.06 | $2,709 | $32,503 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Federal Way) | $39.07 |
| 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 Federal Way, WA earn a median of $81,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $81,986.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.07/hr = $48,755/year (purchasing power: $45,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,258/year (purchasing power: $75,659).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Federal Way grew 24.7% from $30.15/hr (2019) to $37.60/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.59/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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way
For those pursuing a part-time schedule in Federal Way, working 24 hours per week can yield approximately $39,068 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who can earn about $81,248 a year. The dynamic field also sees per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Federal Way ranging broadly, with many billing $50 to $80 per hour for agency placements, while experts in sports nutrition consulting may charge between $80 and $150 per hour. Additionally, private practice dietitians often command between $150 and $300 per session for direct-pay services. While some positions might offer lower hourly rates with health benefits, others prioritize higher pay without such perks, prompting professionals to weigh these trade-offs. Effective negotiation is critical; highlighting unique skills or specializations can influence pay offers favorably, particularly in a competitive job market like Federal Way's nutrition landscape as the demand for competent registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) continues to rise.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Federal Way in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Federal Way?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Federal Way paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Federal Way?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Federal Way?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Federal Way. 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 Federal Way 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