Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in San Mateo, CA: $49.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in San Mateo, CA runs $49.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,724 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against San Mateo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,631 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Mateo, California, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $49.38 by 2026, significantly outpacing the national hourly median of $38.16. This favorable pay provides an attractive opportunity for part-time and per-diem dietitians, who often work in diverse environments such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, school cafeterias, and even private telehealth practices. For example, those employed three days a week could expect to earn roughly $39,000 annually, while per-diem workers typically experience variable income based on client demand. The hourly pay range for this occupation in San Mateo spans from $29.35 for entry-level roles to about $69.66 for top earners, indicating robust potential for career advancement based on experience and specialization.
About the San Mateo 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) | $29.35 | $234.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.64 | $333.14 |
| Median (P50) | $49.38 | $395.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.52 | $460.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.66 | $557.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Mateo
Based on $49.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.38/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Mateo, CA can expect to earn approximately $102,718 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,260. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Mateo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Mateo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,975.35 | $8,560 | $102,718 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,185.21 | $5,136 | $61,631 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $790.14 | $3,424 | $41,087 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (San Mateo) | $49.38 |
| 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 San Mateo, CA earn a median of $102,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.41% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 1.10% above the California state average of $101,606.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.38/hr = $61,631/year (purchasing power: $54,492).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,718/year (purchasing power: $90,821).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in San Mateo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in San Mateo grew 24.7% from $38.12/hr (2019) to $47.53/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.31/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 San Mateo 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 San Mateo
Considering part-time and flexible arrangements, a dietitian working 24 hours a week can earn an annual income significantly below that of full-time professionals, yet still maintain a reasonable standard of living. Per diem or agency dietitians tend to earn between $50 and $80 per hour, with sports nutrition consultants charging even higher fees, often ranging from $80 to $150 per hour. This sector is influenced by the type of employer; for instance, positions in hospital nutrition departments typically offer stability and benefits but at lower hourly pay compared to private practice roles that may offer $150 to $300 for a single session. Some professionals may choose slightly lower pay for the added security of health benefits. To maximize compensation, registered dietitian nutritionists in San Mateo should be prepared to negotiate based on their skill set, experience, and the particular demands of the employer.
More salary data for San Mateo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in San Mateo in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in San Mateo?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in San Mateo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in San Mateo?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in San Mateo?
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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 San Mateo. 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 San Mateo 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