Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $46.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Chico, CA runs $46.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,562 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,532 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chico, California, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a notable $46.90 per hour, which significantly surpasses the national median of $38.16 per hour. This competitive hourly rate has substantial implications for those in part-time or per diem positions—it makes working three days a week in settings such as hospital clinical nutrition consult rounds or outpatient clinic counseling financially rewarding. For per diem dietitians and nutritionists in Chico, the hourly range goes from $35.85 at entry-level positions to as high as $57.88 for seasoned professionals. These figures come from official BLS data and highlight the diverse opportunities available in settings like long-term care facilities, WIC counseling offices, and sports team nutrition services, where flexibility can also bring about varying income levels.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.85 | $286.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.18 | $345.45 |
| Median (P50) | $46.90 | $375.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.45 | $403.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.88 | $463.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $46.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.90/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $97,553 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,281. With a cost-of-living index of 101.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,876.02 | $8,129 | $97,553 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,125.61 | $4,878 | $58,532 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $750.41 | $3,252 | $39,021 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Chico) | $46.90 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $97,562 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.91% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 4.00% below the California state average of $101,627.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.90/hr = $58,532/year (purchasing power: $57,839).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,553/year (purchasing power: $96,399).
CoL index: 101.197 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Chico grew 38.4% from $32.61/hr (2019) to $45.14/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.73/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 Chico 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 Chico
Examining the part-time earnings potential, a dietitian and nutritionist working 24 hours a week can expect a solid annual income, although it is less than what full-time professionals bring home. For those considering per diem roles, actual billing rates commonly range from $50 to $80 per hour, and some specialists, such as those in sports nutrition, can charge up to $150 per hour. In Chico, hourly rates vary significantly based on the type of employment, with diets in clinical settings tending to offer lower rates compared to cash-pay private practices or consulting for corporate wellness programs, which may offer the most lucrative opportunities. This landscape creates a trade-off between benefits and hourly pay, as those who choose to work in facilities that provide health insurance may receive lower hourly compensation compared to independent consultants without benefits. For effective negotiation, emphasizing specialization or unique skill sets during interviews may help secure better hourly rates within this competitive market.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Chico?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Chico paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Chico?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Chico?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Chico. 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