Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Oakland, CA: $124,734 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Oakland, CA earns a median $124,734/year (≈ $59.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Oakland's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $110,286 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakland, California, dietitians and nutritionists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $124,734 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $79,380. The salary range for professionals in this field extends from $76,337 at the 10th percentile to $178,947 at the 90th percentile, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living. This notable local compensation reflects not only the demand for these health specialists but also the increasing value placed on specialized skills and advanced certifications, such as those from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Given Oakland's competitive market for dietitian and nutritionist positions, opportunities abound for those looking to thrive in various settings, including clinical nutrition and corporate wellness.
About the Oakland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,337 | $36.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,600 | $47.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,734 | $59.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,696 | $72.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,947 | $86.03 |
Median Salary Position
57.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oakland
In Oakland, CA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,610 (2026 est.). At $124,734, the local median is 57.14% above the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oakland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oakland Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Oakland median: $124,734/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oakland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $101,658 | +22.70% more |
| National Average | $79,380 | +57.14% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Oakland, CA earn a median of $124,734 per year (2026 est.), which is 57.14% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 22.70% above the California state average of $101,658.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oakland has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oakland, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $124,734 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,286 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$96,277
2025 BLS Actual
$120,052
2026 Current Est.
$124,734
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,277 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,137 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,874 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,417 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,492 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,883 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,052 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,734 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,599 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oakland metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $96,277 (2019) to $120,052 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,599 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,322 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oakland 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $76,337 – $99,600 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,600 – $124,734 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,734 – $150,696 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,696 – $178,947 |
DN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dietitian and nutritionist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Job Market in Oakland
The local job market for dietitians and nutritionists in Oakland is relatively strong, with approximately 78 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, which can impact the purchasing power of these salaries. Employers with the highest paying roles include hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics, particularly those focusing on diabetes and cardiology. The spectrum of pay is influenced by several factors, including specialty certifications, private practice opportunities, and consulting roles with sports teams or wellness organizations. For those seeking to maximize their income in Oakland, combining clinical experience with advanced board certifications, exploring cash-pay private practice models, and engaging in corporate wellness programs can yield significant financial benefits in this evolving field.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Oakland, CA in 2026?
Is Oakland, CA a good place to work as a dietitian and nutritionist?
Can dietitians and nutritionists make $100K in Oakland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dietitian and nutritionist salary in Oakland?
How much does a dietitian and nutritionist make per hour in Oakland?
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $120,052 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Oakland metropolitan area. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oakland 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