Los Angeles vs Santa Maria: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,173 | $106,040▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.68 | $50.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,720 | $82,019▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,782 | $90,746▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,724 | $110,363▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,054 | $131,423▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,060▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Santa Maria, CA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Maria is $6,867 (6.92%). Santa Maria's median is +33.59% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $44,334,Santa Maria spans $49,404. Santa Maria has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Maria ($97,465 effective) pays 11.61% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,040/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,423)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,465)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Los Angeles grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.5% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$76,460 (2019) → $95,450 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$84,030 (2019) → $102,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Los Angeles or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Maria as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Maria?
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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