Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Laguna Niguel, CA: $47.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Laguna Niguel, CA runs $47.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,693 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Laguna Niguel's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,219 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laguna Niguel, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a noteworthy $47.45, considerably higher than the national hourly median of $38.16. This robust figure reflects the demand for RDNs in a range of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and private practice. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a versatile earning opportunity that can provide a stable income while allowing for greater flexibility. The hourly rates for entry-level positions start around $30.90, while seasoned experts can earn as much as $65.59. This wide range indicates ample opportunities for both burgeoning and experienced dietitians in Laguna Niguel as they navigate various roles, from clinical assessments to sports nutrition consulting.
About the Laguna Niguel 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) | $30.90 | $247.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.27 | $314.19 |
| Median (P50) | $47.45 | $379.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.40 | $451.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.59 | $524.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laguna Niguel
Based on $47.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.45/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laguna Niguel, CA can expect to earn approximately $98,698 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,941. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laguna Niguel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laguna Niguel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,898.05 | $8,225 | $98,698 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,138.83 | $4,935 | $59,219 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $759.22 | $3,290 | $39,479 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Laguna Niguel) | $47.45 |
| 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 Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $98,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.33% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 2.90% below the California state average of $101,640.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.45/hr = $59,219/year (purchasing power: $52,360).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,698/year (purchasing power: $87,266).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Laguna Niguel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Laguna Niguel grew 24.7% from $36.63/hr (2019) to $45.67/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.30/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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
Exploring the financial landscape for part-time dietitians and nutritionists in Laguna Niguel reveals that those working 24 hours a week might expect to take home over $58,000 annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem and locum tenens roles can be particularly lucrative, with professionals billing between $50-$80 per hour for standard assignments, while specialists in sports nutrition can command $80-$150 hourly. In cash-pay private practices, rates often soar to $150-$300 for direct consultations, appealing to those looking to capitalize on the growing trend of intuitive eating and health at every size (HAES) models. The hourly pay varies significantly depending on the type of employer—hospital settings may offer lower rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while private practice might provide a higher hourly rate at the cost of job security. Negotiating contracts in these diverse environments requires an understanding of the trade-offs involved, allowing practitioners to make informed decisions tailored to their career goals.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, 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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel 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