Riverside vs Stockton: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Riverside, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,996▲ | $96,637 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.60▲ | $46.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,283▲ | $67,753 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,658▲ | $81,728 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,240 | $107,879▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,488 | $126,051▲ |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Stockton.
The salary gap between Riverside and Stockton is $2,359 (2.44%). 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 Riverside spans $46,205,Stockton spans $58,298. Stockton 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, Riverside ($93,005 effective) pays 1.14% more than Stockton ($91,957 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Stockton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,051)
- ✓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 37.4% growth in Stockton over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$72,770 (2019) → $95,280 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$67,670 (2019) → $93,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Riverside or Stockton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Stockton?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Stockton as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Riverside vs Stockton?
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