Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $49.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in San Rafael, CA runs $49.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,128 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,877 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, California, the expected hourly wage for dietitians and nutritionists in 2026 stands at $49.58, which significantly surpasses the national median of $38.16. This favorable hourly rate positions professionals well, especially for those engaging in part-time roles such as three days a week, potentially earning a lucrative income while balancing other commitments. Given the variety of work environments—including hospital clinical nutrition consults, outpatient clinic counseling, and even private telehealth practices—individuals can expect their hourly earnings to range from $31.98 at entry-level positions to $65.98 for seasoned experts. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the income potential in a city with a cost of living index of 113.1, above the national average.
About the San Rafael 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) | $31.98 | $255.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.69 | $325.50 |
| Median (P50) | $49.58 | $396.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.52 | $460.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.98 | $527.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $49.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.58/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $103,129 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,497. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,983.24 | $8,594 | $103,129 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,189.95 | $5,156 | $61,877 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $793.30 | $3,438 | $41,251 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (San Rafael) | $49.58 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $103,128 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.92% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 1.50% above the California state average of $101,604.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.58/hr = $61,877/year (purchasing power: $54,710).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,129/year (purchasing power: $91,184).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in San Rafael grew 24.7% from $38.27/hr (2019) to $47.72/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.51/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
When analyzing earning potential for dietitians and nutritionists working part-time, a 24-hour workweek results in an annual take-home that can still be substantial, directly illustrating the financial benefits of part-time work in this profession. For per-diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in San Rafael, professionals often charge between $50 and $80 per hour for agency positions, while consultants in sports nutrition may command $80 to $150 per hour. Furthermore, those in private practice adopting a cash-pay model can bill clients $150 to $300 for a 60-minute session, tapping into the growing demand for personalized nutrition services outside traditional healthcare settings. Hourly compensation can also vary widely based on the type of employer, with positions in hospitals and outpatient clinics typically offering more stable salaries compared to the variability found in agency work or private practices. Some dietitians trade higher hourly wages for employee benefits such as health insurance, and effective negotiation strategies in San Rafael can enhance earning capacity, particularly when considering the unique dynamics of the local job market.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in San Rafael in 2026?
How much do part-time dietitians and nutritionists make in San Rafael?
Are dietitians and nutritionists in San Rafael paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dietitian and nutritionist make per year in San Rafael?
Do dietitians and nutritionists earn more per hour working part-time in San Rafael?
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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 Rafael. 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 Rafael 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