Hawthorne vs Riverside: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Hawthorne, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hawthorne, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,432▲ | $98,996 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.28▲ | $47.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,565 | $76,283▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,222▲ | $84,658 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,432▲ | $105,240 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,255▲ | $122,488 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Hawthorne, CA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Hawthorne and Riverside is $1,436 (1.45%). Hawthorne's median is +26.52% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hawthorne spans $71,690,Riverside spans $46,205. Hawthorne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Riverside ($93,005 effective) pays 4.74% more than Hawthorne ($88,799 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hawthorne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,432/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,255)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,005)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Hawthorne grew -1.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Hawthorne, CA
$98,340 (2024) → $96,662 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$72,770 (2019) → $95,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hawthorne, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Hawthorne or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hawthorne and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Hawthorne to Riverside as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Hawthorne vs Riverside?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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