Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Bakersfield, CA: $45.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Bakersfield, CA runs $45.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Bakersfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,574 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bakersfield, registered dietitians and nutritionists benefit from a median hourly pay of $45.33, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $38.16. This elevated rate reflects the demand for these professionals across various work environments, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. For part-time or per-diem workers, such as those who may work three days a week or on a flexible schedule, this means a promising earning potential. The hourly range extends from $22.87 for entry-level positions to $55.99 for seasoned experts, allowing both new and experienced dietitians in CA to find roles that fit their lifestyle while earning competitive wages.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.87 | $182.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.42 | $299.40 |
| Median (P50) | $45.33 | $362.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.51 | $404.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.99 | $447.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bakersfield
Based on $45.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.33/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bakersfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $94,290 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,398. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bakersfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bakersfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,813.26 | $7,857 | $94,290 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,087.96 | $4,714 | $56,574 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $725.31 | $3,143 | $37,716 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Bakersfield) | $45.33 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Health Education Specialist (National Avg) | $31.83 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.60 |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $94,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.80% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 7.20% below the California state average of $101,616.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.33/hr = $56,574/year (purchasing power: $56,077).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,290/year (purchasing power: $93,462).
CoL index: 100.886 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Bakersfield grew 25.7% from $34.72/hr (2019) to $43.63/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.10/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dietitians and nutritionists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bakersfield 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.
Working as an Hourly Dietitian and Nutritionist in Bakersfield
Calculating the annual income for a part-time dietitian and nutritionist in Bakersfield reveals a substantial difference compared to full-time positions. A professional working 24 hours a week at the median hourly pay can expect to take home around $56,000 annually, which is impactful for many seeking flexible options. For those pursuing per diem roles, the pay can be even more lucrative, as RDNs often bill between $50 and $80 per hour. Furthermore, specialties such as sports nutrition can command rates of $80 to $150 per hour. While jobs in hospital settings may offer lower hourly wages than private practice, they typically provide benefits that some may prioritize over higher pay. Negotiating salary in Bakersfield can hinge on understanding local pay standards and articulating the value brought to potential employers, especially in a market where cash-pay practices are growing due to changes in insurance structures and the increasing demand for RDNs with advanced degrees.
More salary data for Bakersfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Bakersfield in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dietitians and nutritionists in Bakersfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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