Riverside vs Thousand Oaks: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Riverside, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Thousand Oaks, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,996▲ | $97,127 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.60▲ | $46.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,283▲ | $64,725 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,658▲ | $81,365 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,240 | $116,238▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,488 | $136,343▲ |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 32 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Thousand Oaks.
The salary gap between Riverside and Thousand Oaks is $1,869 (1.92%). 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,Thousand Oaks spans $71,618. Thousand Oaks 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 8.30% more than Thousand Oaks ($85,877 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 Thousand Oaks if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,343)
- ✓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 -6.6% growth in Thousand Oaks over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$72,770 (2019) → $95,280 (2025)
Thousand Oaks, CA
$100,117 (2024) → $93,481 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Thousand Oaks, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Riverside or Thousand Oaks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Thousand Oaks?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Thousand Oaks as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Riverside vs Thousand Oaks?
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