Sacramento vs Modesto: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Sacramento, CA and Modesto, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,581▲ | $101,645 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.24▲ | $48.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,619 | $80,273▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,313▲ | $83,567 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,127▲ | $107,495 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,421▲ | $127,402 |
| Total Employed | 550▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Modesto.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Modesto is $4,936 (4.86%). Sacramento's median is +34.27% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $64,802,Modesto spans $47,129. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($99,917 effective) pays 2.34% more than Modesto ($97,634 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,581/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,421)
- ✓Larger job market (550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,917)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Sacramento grew 23.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.5% growth in Modesto over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$82,760 (2019) → $102,580 (2025)
Modesto, CA
$78,590 (2019) → $97,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Modesto, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Sacramento or Modesto?
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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