Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Rancho Cordova, CA: $48.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Rancho Cordova, CA runs $48.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,810 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Rancho Cordova's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,490 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Rancho Cordova, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay stands at a median of $48.47, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $38.16. This competitive wage presents appealing opportunities for both part-time professionals and per-diem workers in diverse settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and wellness programs. For instance, a dietitian working three days a week can expect to earn over $37,000 annually while enjoying a flexible schedule. Meanwhile, the hourly rates for entry-level positions typically start around $29.52, with more experienced professionals capable of reaching up to $67.14 per hour, reflecting the diverse skill levels within the profession. As these hourly rates are based on annual salary projections, they provide a clear sense of the financial landscape for dietitians and nutritionists in Rancho Cordova, CA.
About the Rancho Cordova 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) | $29.52 | $236.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.34 | $330.73 |
| Median (P50) | $48.47 | $387.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.00 | $448.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.14 | $537.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cordova
Based on $48.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.47/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cordova, CA can expect to earn approximately $100,816 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,163. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cordova.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cordova
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,938.77 | $8,401 | $100,816 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,163.26 | $5,041 | $60,490 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $775.51 | $3,361 | $40,326 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Rancho Cordova) | $48.47 |
| 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 Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $100,810 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.00% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.80% below the California state average of $101,623.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.47/hr = $60,490/year (purchasing power: $53,483).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,816/year (purchasing power: $89,139).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Rancho Cordova grew 24.7% from $37.41/hr (2019) to $46.65/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.36/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 Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova
Turning to the practical realities of this profession, part-time dietitians who work approximately 24 hours a week may take home a different story when compared to full-time colleagues. This part-time work allows flexibility, but it may offer less financial security as they earn a reduced annual income. Many RDNs opt for per-diem or agency positions, with rates often between $50 and $80 per hour, especially in specialized consulting roles such as sports nutrition or private practice, where rates can range from $150 to $300 for direct-pay sessions. The variation in pay can often be tied to the type of employer and the associated benefits. For example, hospital positions may offer lower hourly pay but provide essential health insurance, while private practice roles can yield higher earnings without benefits. For dietitians negotiating their hourly pay in Rancho Cordova, it is crucial to consider not only the wage but also what benefits accompany employment, making clear trade-offs that can influence overall job satisfaction and stability.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Rancho Cordova in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in Rancho Cordova?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in Rancho Cordova paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in Rancho Cordova?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cordova?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Rancho Cordova. 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 Rancho Cordova 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