Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CA: $50.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Fairfield, CA runs $50.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,801 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,876 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, California, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a notable $50.38, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $38.16. This robust hourly rate allows part-time professionals who might work about three days a week to earn a respectable income, while also offering flexibility for per-diem workers who engage in roles across various settings like hospital clinical nutrition consult rounds, outpatient clinic counseling, and even private practice or telehealth offices. The hourly range for dietitians in Fairfield varies widely, starting from $31.54 for entry-level positions to as much as $68.01 for seasoned professionals, illustrating substantial earning potential within this community.
About the Fairfield 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) | $31.54 | $252.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.71 | $325.66 |
| Median (P50) | $50.38 | $403.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.81 | $470.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.01 | $544.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $50.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.38/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $104,793 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,457. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,015.24 | $8,733 | $104,793 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,209.15 | $5,240 | $62,876 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $806.10 | $3,493 | $41,917 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Fairfield) | $50.38 |
| 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 Fairfield, CA earn a median of $104,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.02% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 3.10% above the California state average of $101,650.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.38/hr = $62,876/year (purchasing power: $55,593).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,793/year (purchasing power: $92,655).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Fairfield grew 24.7% from $38.89/hr (2019) to $48.49/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.35/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
When considering a part-time schedule of approximately 24 hours per week, a dietitian or nutritionist can take home an annual income that greatly differs from full-time counterparts, potentially earning around $62,500 before taxes. In the realm of per-diem, many dietitians and nutritionists find lucrative opportunities, with rates ranging from $50 to $80 per hour, while specialized fields like sports nutrition consulting may command rates of $80 to $150 per hour. Furthermore, private practice RDNs often charge between $150 and $300 per session, highlighting the growth of cash-pay models separate from traditional insurance. Hourly rates can vary based on employer types, with roles in hospitals generally offering lower but steadier pay, while positions in private practice or for corporate wellness programs provide room for negotiation, especially when considering the benefits of health insurance in more stable employment. It's crucial for professionals in Fairfield to strategize their job negotiations, focusing on both hourly compensation and the value of benefits that align with their career goals and lifestyle needs.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Fairfield in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Fairfield?
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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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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