Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $48.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Modesto, CA runs $48.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,645 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.1, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,982 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Modesto, California, dietitians and nutritionists earn a median hourly rate of $48.86, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $38.16. This competitive rate allows flexibility for those pursuing part-time roles, such as working three days a week, or for per-diem professionals who may operate in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, or even private practices. The hourly pay range is quite broad, falling between $38.59 and $61.25, which means that entry-level positions start around the lower end while top earners can command impressive rates, reflecting the high demand for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in Modesto and across California. Such compensation underscores the value of dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay in Modesto while highlighting the ongoing growth in the field.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.59 | $308.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.18 | $321.43 |
| Median (P50) | $48.86 | $390.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.68 | $413.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.25 | $489.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $48.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.86/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $101,637 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,637. With a cost-of-living index of 104.11 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,954.57 | $8,470 | $101,637 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,172.74 | $5,082 | $60,982 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.83 | $3,388 | $40,655 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Modesto) | $48.86 |
| 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 Modesto, CA earn a median of $101,645 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.05% higher than the national median of $79,380.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.86/hr = $60,982/year (purchasing power: $58,576).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,637/year (purchasing power: $97,627).
CoL index: 104.108 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Modesto grew 24.5% from $37.79/hr (2019) to $47.03/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.77/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 Modesto 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 Modesto
Exploring the part-time earning potential for dietitians and nutritionists in Modesto reveals that those working a 3-day week could take home an annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts, often resulting in earnings that fluctuate based on fewer billable hours. Per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Modesto can range from $50 to $80 per hour for agency work, with specialized consulting roles, particularly in sports nutrition, sometimes exceeding $150 per hour. A diverse landscape of employment options exists, including clinical positions, public health roles, and private practice settings, which can lead to varied compensation. Moreover, professionals must often weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates associated with employer-sponsored health insurance. Negotiating pay effectively involves understanding local market trends and being clear about desired outcomes, which is essential for securing favorable hourly arrangements in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Modesto in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Modesto?
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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 Modesto. 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