Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Palmdale, CA: $48.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Palmdale, CA runs $48.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,999 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Palmdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,593 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palmdale, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is notably attractive, with a median rate of $48.55 per hour. This positions local professionals well above the national hourly median of $38.16, reflecting a significant 27.23% premium for their expertise. Such a competitive rate is beneficial for part-time workers, such as those who might only work three days a week; they can still achieve a sustainable income while participating in duties like clinical nutrition consultations in hospitals or engaging in counseling at outpatient clinics. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn approximately $31.39 per hour, while more experienced dietitians can command rates up to $68.64. This data demonstrates how the dietitian and nutritionist hourly rate in Palmdale aligns with the growing demand for nutrition expertise in various settings, including schools, private practices, and wellness programs.
About the Palmdale 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) | $31.39 | $251.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.98 | $319.85 |
| Median (P50) | $48.55 | $388.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.51 | $468.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.64 | $549.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palmdale
Based on $48.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.55/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palmdale, CA can expect to earn approximately $100,989 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,263. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palmdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palmdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,942.10 | $8,416 | $100,989 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,165.26 | $5,049 | $60,593 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $776.84 | $3,366 | $40,396 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Palmdale) | $48.55 |
| 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 Palmdale, CA earn a median of $100,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.23% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.60% below the California state average of $101,609.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.55/hr = $60,593/year (purchasing power: $53,575).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,989/year (purchasing power: $89,292).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Palmdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Palmdale grew 24.7% from $37.48/hr (2019) to $46.73/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.45/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 Palmdale 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 Palmdale
Part-time dietitians and nutritionists working in Palmdale may find a practical work-life balance as they earn notable hourly wages while limiting their weekly hours. Considering a 3-day workweek, 24 total hours, a part-time professional can realize an annual income exceeding $60,000, which is substantial compared to many other part-time roles. Additionally, per diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Palmdale also adds flexibility; these professionals often charge between $50 and $80 per hour, with specialized roles in sports nutrition consulting reaching as high as $150 per hour. Hourly earnings can vary across employer types, where clinical settings, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics will typically offer different rates than cash-pay private practices. Some professionals may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for stability and health benefits, a trade-off that must be evaluated carefully. Finally, effective negotiation can be crucial in this competitive environment; being well-informed about prevailing rates, flexibilities, and local demand will help dietitians and nutritionists advocate for compensation that reflects their skills.
More salary data for Palmdale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Palmdale 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 Palmdale. 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 Palmdale 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