Irvine vs Los Angeles: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Irvine, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Irvine, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,587▲ | $99,173 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.77▲ | $47.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,872 | $76,720▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,359▲ | $84,782 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,714▲ | $107,724 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,106▲ | $121,054 |
| Total Employed | 72 | 3,060▲ |
Verdict
Irvine, CA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Irvine and Los Angeles is $6,414 (6.47%). Irvine's median is +33.01% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Irvine spans $84,234,Los Angeles spans $44,334. Irvine 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, Irvine ($93,357 effective) pays 6.91% more than Los Angeles ($87,326 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Irvine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,587/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,106)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,357)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Irvine grew -1.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Irvine, CA
$103,388 (2024) → $101,624 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$76,460 (2019) → $95,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Irvine, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Irvine or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Irvine and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Irvine to Los Angeles as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Irvine vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
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