Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in California
Based on 9K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$98,850
$47.52/hr
vs National Average
$73,491
+34.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$73K – $131K
9K employed in California
Dietitian and Nutritionist salary in California averages $98,850 annually, significantly outpacing the national average by 35 percent. With approximately 8,720 professionals currently employed in this field across the state, California offers competitive compensation that reflects both the high cost of living and strong demand for nutrition expertise in healthcare and wellness sectors.
Several factors influence dietitian and nutritionist salaries throughout California, including years of experience, specialized credentials, and work setting. Employment in hospitals and corporate wellness programs typically commands higher pay than private practice or community health positions. Geographic location within the state, educational background, and clientele type also play important roles in determining individual compensation levels within this growing profession.
Salary Distribution — Dietitian and Nutritionist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,780 |
| 25th percentile | $83,270 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,850 |
| 75th percentile | $110,660 |
| 90th percentile | $130,850 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dietitian and Nutritionist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dietitian and Nutritionists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dietitian and Nutritionists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $89,900 | 120 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $86,880 | 70 |
| Finance and Insurance | $80,480 | 150 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $78,070 | 9K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $77,380 | 800 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dietitian and Nutritionist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,270 |
| 2023 | $84,690 |
| 2024 | $93,640 |
| 2025 | $98,850 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,350 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,270 | $66,075 |
| 2023 | $84,690 | $68,348 |
| 2024 | $93,640 | $70,657 |
| 2025 | $98,850 | $73,491 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,350 | $77,580 |
Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $83,270 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,850 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $110,660 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $130,850 |
Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Other States
Related Dietitian and Nutritionist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Dietitian and Nutritionist ($98,850 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dietitian and Nutritionist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +257.6% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +217.5% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +204.7% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +195.8% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +173.7% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +154.9% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +116.6% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +106.2% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +103.6% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +87.8% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +70.5% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +67.9% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in California?
- The median salary for dietitians and nutritionists in California is $98,850 per year, or $48 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 34.5% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for nutritionists in California?
- Dietitian and nutritionist salaries in California range from $72,780 at the lower end to $130,850 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is California a good state for dietitian jobs based on salary?
- Yes, California offers strong compensation for dietitians and nutritionists with a median salary of $98,850 annually, which is 34.5% above the national average. There are also approximately 8,720 dietitians and nutritionists employed in the state, indicating solid job availability.
What's the hourly wage for a nutritionist in California?
- Dietitians and nutritionists in California earn a median hourly wage of $48, which translates to an annual salary of $98,850. This hourly rate positions California significantly above national compensation standards for this profession.