Riverside vs Santa Rosa: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Rosa, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,996 | $103,609▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.60 | $49.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,283 | $76,647▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,658 | $84,897▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,240 | $123,173▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,488 | $138,031▲ |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Santa Rosa, CA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Rosa is $4,613 (4.66%). Santa Rosa's median is +30.52% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $46,205,Santa Rosa spans $61,384. Santa Rosa 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 Rosa ($96,127 effective) pays 3.36% more than Riverside ($93,005 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Rosa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,609/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,031)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,127)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Riverside grew 30.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.0% growth in Santa Rosa over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$72,770 (2019) → $95,280 (2025)
Santa Rosa, CA
$78,530 (2019) → $99,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Rosa, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Riverside or Santa Rosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Santa Rosa?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Santa Rosa as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Riverside vs Santa Rosa?
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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