Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Irvine, CA: $50.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Irvine, CA runs $50.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,587 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Irvine's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,355 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irvine, California, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $50.77 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $38.16 per hour. This elevated hourly rate reflects the specialized skills and knowledge that registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) bring to their roles in various settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. For part-time and per-diem workers, often clocking in around 24 hours a week, the financial landscape can be quite favorable. With hourly wages ranging from $32.15 for entry-level positions to $72.65 for top earners, many professionals find opportunities for flexible work in a growing field. The hourly rates discussed are based on national data and reflect an interesting mix of compensation structures for those in diverse roles within the dietetics profession.
About the Irvine 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) | $32.15 | $257.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.52 | $332.15 |
| Median (P50) | $50.77 | $406.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.36 | $498.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.65 | $581.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irvine
Based on $50.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.77/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irvine, CA can expect to earn approximately $105,592 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,919. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Irvine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irvine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,030.62 | $8,799 | $105,592 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,218.37 | $5,280 | $63,355 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $812.25 | $3,520 | $42,237 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Irvine) | $50.77 |
| 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 Irvine, CA earn a median of $105,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.01% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 3.90% above the California state average of $101,624.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.77/hr = $63,355/year (purchasing power: $56,017).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,592/year (purchasing power: $93,362).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Irvine grew 24.7% from $39.18/hr (2019) to $48.86/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.75/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 Irvine 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 Irvine
Exploring the earning potential reveals how part-time RDNs can gain significant monthly income, contrasting starkly with full-time equivalents. For instance, someone working three days a week can expect to take home around $39,000 annually, depending on their exact schedule and pay rate. The world of per-diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Irvine can be particularly lucrative, as these professionals often charge between $50 and $80 per hour, with specialized roles, like sports nutrition consultants, commanding $80 to $150. Moreover, cash-pay private practices can see practitioners charging $150 to $300 for individual sessions, reflecting the evolving market dynamics of dietetics. With various employer types across the region, from hospitals to corporate wellness programs, professionals may find themselves choosing between higher hourly pay without benefits or the stability of full-time positions that offer health insurance. For those considering employment options, strong negotiation skills can be instrumental, especially in a competitive market like Irvine where the demand for qualified dietitians and nutritionists continues to grow.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Irvine 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 Irvine. 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 Irvine 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