Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Hawthorne, CA: $48.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Hawthorne, CA runs $48.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,432 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Hawthorne's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,256 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Hawthorne, California, is projected to reach a median of $48.28, significantly higher than the national median of $38.16. This favorable hourly rate opens up diverse opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers. For instance, those working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, will benefit from a solid income while maintaining flexibility. In various settings such as hospital nutrition consult rounds, outpatient clinics, and private practice, entry-level dietitians may earn around $29.12 per hour, while experienced professionals could earn as much as $63.59 per hour. The substantial difference in pay speaks to both the varied settings and the level of expertise required in the field, making Hawthorne an attractive location for professionals looking to build a career in nutrition.
About the Hawthorne 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) | $29.12 | $232.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.97 | $327.74 |
| Median (P50) | $48.28 | $386.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.49 | $443.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.59 | $508.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hawthorne
Based on $48.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.28/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hawthorne, CA can expect to earn approximately $100,427 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,939. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hawthorne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hawthorne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,931.29 | $8,369 | $100,427 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,158.78 | $5,021 | $60,256 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $772.52 | $3,348 | $40,171 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Hawthorne) | $48.28 |
| 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 Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $100,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.52% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 1.20% below the California state average of $101,652.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.28/hr = $60,256/year (purchasing power: $53,277).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,427/year (purchasing power: $88,795).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Hawthorne grew 24.7% from $37.27/hr (2019) to $46.47/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.17/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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
Considering the part-time earning potential, a dietitian or nutritionist working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $50,074 annually, while those opting for full-time would earn a significantly higher income. Per-diem roles provide even more variability in hourly income, with many professionals billing between $50 and $80 per hour. Specialists in sports nutrition can command rates from $80 to $150 per hour, while cash-pay private practice RDNs may charge between $150 and $300 for a 60-minute session. Hourly rates can markedly differ based on the type of employment: hospital-based positions typically offer more stable, albeit lower salaries, compared to private practice or contract roles. Some dietitians accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, while others prefer the higher returns offered by less stable jobs without benefits, allowing for greater independence. Negotiating effectively in this context requires clear communication on the value of expertise and flexibility, especially in a growing market like Hawthorne, CA.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne 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