Merced vs Riverside: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Merced, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,757 | $98,996▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.48 | $47.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,944 | $76,283▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,666 | $84,658▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,299▲ | $105,240 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,037▲ | $122,488 |
| Total Employed | 20 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Merced.
The salary gap between Merced and Riverside is $239 (0.24%). Riverside's median is +24.71% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merced spans $71,093,Riverside spans $46,205. Merced 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 6.51% more than Merced ($87,318 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merced if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,037)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,996/year)
- ✓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 Merced grew -1.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Merced, CA
$96,700 (2024) → $95,050 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$72,770 (2019) → $95,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merced, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Merced or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merced and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Merced to Riverside as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Merced vs Riverside?
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