Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Carson, CA: $47.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Carson, CA runs $47.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,618 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Carson's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,777 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Carson, California, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a competitive $47.90, significantly above the national median of $38.16. This robust hourly rate creates appealing opportunities not only for full-time professionals but also for part-time and per-diem workers within various healthcare settings. For instance, a dietitian working three days a week might net a substantial income while engaging in diverse consulting roles—such as performing clinical nutrition consults in hospitals or guiding nutritional practices in school kitchens. The hourly wage range extends from $32.09 for entry-level positions to an impressive $67.09 for the most seasoned practitioners, reflecting the experience and specialization levels within the field.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.09 | $256.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.18 | $321.43 |
| Median (P50) | $47.90 | $383.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.58 | $436.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.09 | $536.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carson
Based on $47.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.90/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carson, CA can expect to earn approximately $99,628 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,477. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,915.92 | $8,302 | $99,628 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,149.55 | $4,981 | $59,777 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $766.37 | $3,321 | $39,851 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Carson) | $47.90 |
| 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 Carson, CA earn a median of $99,618 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.50% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 2.00% below the California state average of $101,651.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.90/hr = $59,777/year (purchasing power: $52,853).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,628/year (purchasing power: $88,088).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Carson grew 24.7% from $36.97/hr (2019) to $46.10/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.77/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 Carson 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 Carson
The earning potential for part-time dietitians in Carson can result in a comfortable income, with a three-day work schedule totaling around 24 hours per week, yielding approximately $59,757 annually. For those opting for per-diem arrangements, hourly rates could vary widely. Many per diem dietitians and nutritionists bill between $50 to $80, while specialists in sports nutrition often command rates of $80 to $150 per hour. The diverse range of employment settings—from clinical environments to private practice—affects compensation structures, with corporate wellness programs and cash-pay private practices potentially yielding higher hourly rates but lacking benefits like health insurance. Professionals must weigh the trade-offs carefully; higher pay can come at the cost of job security and additional perks. Effective negotiation strategies can help hourly workers advocate for better pay, especially given Carson's cost of living considerations in comparison to national averages.
More salary data for Carson, 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
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 Carson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carson 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