Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Davis, CA: $63,868 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Davis, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,868 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davis's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,470 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,370) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level dietitian and nutritionist salary in Davis, CA, has a projected starting pay around $63,868. This figure might seem modest compared to the city's median salary of $98,370, indicating a significant gap of over $34,500 that new graduates can expect to bridge as they gain experience. The compensation trajectory shows promising growth potential—entry-level positions could lead to earnings at the 25th percentile ($81,054) within a few years. Given the strong job market projected, Davis presents a reasonable opportunity for fresh graduates entering the field; the local health landscape is vibrant, supporting various hiring avenues for new dietitians and nutritionists.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davis
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Davis, CA typically start between $63,868 and $81,054 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,578 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,370 — 23.92% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in California of $80,000 represents just 125.26% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($63,868/year) in Davis. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACEND-accredited dietetics program data and university tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public in-state, public out-of-state, private) and degree level (bachelor's vs. master's).
DN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Davis
- 1Research the Davis market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $63,868 to $81,054, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nutrition field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Davis, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Davis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Davis's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Compensation Range
The dietitian and nutritionist wage spread in Davis is $67,578 ( 105.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,868, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,446.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,698
2025 BLS Actual
$61,471
2026 Current Est.
$63,868
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,888 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,257 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,273 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,237 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,471 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,868 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,359 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Davis, CA grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,698 in 2019 to $61,471 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,359. New graduates entering the Davis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.90% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nutrition Career in Davis
Employers in Davis, including hospitals and long-term care facilities, frequently seek new graduates with the established credentials. Hospital clinical nutrition departments often recruit entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to rotate through various specialties, while companies like Sodexo and Aramark dominate the long-term care sector. For those interested in public health, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers strategic entry points and even loan repayment assistance in designated shortage areas. To enhance earning potential, new dietitians can focus on obtaining their RDN credential, which now requires a master's degree as per the 2024 transition mandated by CDR, alongside optional specializations in areas like sports nutrition or diabetes education. Realistically, salaries for new RDNs can see substantial growth during the first few years, especially for those who adapt to the rising trend of cash-pay practices and niche models such as intuitive eating or Health at Every Size (HAES), positioning themselves competitively in a robust market like Davis.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nutrition graduates. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Davis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.90%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dietitian and nutritionists (SOC 29-1031).
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