Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $48.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Tustin, CA runs $48.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,543 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,931 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tustin, California, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is set at a competitive median of $48.82, significantly higher than the national rate of $38.16. This advantageous rate provides a solid income for part-time workers in settings such as hospital clinical nutrition consult rounds, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and sports team environments. Those working just three days a week can expect to bring home a respectable wage while enjoying work-life balance, especially given the projected hourly range of $30.10 at the entry-level to $65.36 for experienced professionals topping the scale. The potential for hourly earnings allows these specialists to thrive in diverse environments, including telehealth practices and school dining services, making the job both fulfilling and financially viable.
About the Tustin 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) | $30.10 | $240.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.14 | $313.11 |
| Median (P50) | $48.82 | $390.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.76 | $454.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.36 | $522.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $48.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.82/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $101,551 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,587. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,952.90 | $8,463 | $101,551 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,171.74 | $5,078 | $60,931 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.16 | $3,385 | $40,620 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Tustin) | $48.82 |
| 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 Tustin, CA earn a median of $101,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.92% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 0.10% below the California state average of $101,644.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.82/hr = $60,931/year (purchasing power: $53,873).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,551/year (purchasing power: $89,789).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Tustin grew 24.7% from $37.68/hr (2019) to $46.99/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.73/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 Tustin 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 Tustin
Considering part-time arrangements, a dietitian and nutritionist in Tustin working 24 hours a week could take home a solid income compared to full-time colleagues, allowing for flexibility and personal time. Per-diem positions and agency work also allow for variations in earnings, with many billing $50-$80 per hour and specialized consulting services in sports nutrition fetching $80-$150 hourly. For private practice, direct pay RDNs may charge between $150-$300 for a single session. Different employer types—such as hospitals, school districts, and corporate wellness programs—offer various rates and benefits, creating a dynamic pay scale in the area. While some may opt for lower hourly rates that include health insurance benefits, others might prefer higher pay without such perks. Negotiating effectively for hourly wages is essential, with clear communication about the value brought to different work settings in Tustin offering the best chances of securing a desirable pay rate.
More salary data for Tustin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Tustin 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 Tustin. 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 Tustin 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