Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Santa Ana, CA: $107,697 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Santa Ana, CA earns a median $107,697/year (≈ $51.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Santa Ana's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $95,223 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dietitian and nutritionist salary in Santa Ana is projected to reach a median annual figure of $107,697, significantly higher than the national median of $79,380. The local salary range extends from $63,561 at the 10th percentile to $151,120 at the 90th percentile, providing insight into the notable earnings potential depending on experience and specialized skill sets. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price parities, highlight that those in cash-pay private practices can achieve higher earnings compared to their counterparts in hospital settings. With a growing emphasis on individualized care models like intuitive eating and Health at Every Size (HAES), the demand for skilled professionals in Santa Ana is likely to remain robust, reflecting a dynamic job market for registered dietitian nutritionists.
About the Santa Ana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,561 | $30.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,270 | $40.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,697 | $51.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,385 | $61.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $151,120 | $72.66 |
Median Salary Position
35.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Ana
In Santa Ana, CA, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,559 (2026 est.). At $107,697, the local median is 35.67% above the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Ana: You'd be above the median
How Santa Ana Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Santa Ana median: $107,697/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Ana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $101,600 | +6.00% more |
| National Average | $79,380 | +35.67% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $107,697 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.67% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 6.00% above the California state average of $101,600.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Ana has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Ana, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $107,697 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,223 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,127
2025 BLS Actual
$103,654
2026 Current Est.
$107,697
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Santa Ana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,127 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,596 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,642 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,155 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,537 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,453 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,654 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,697 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,897 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Ana metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $83,127 (2019) to $103,654 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,897 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,770 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Ana 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) | $63,561 – $84,270 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,270 – $107,697 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,697 – $128,385 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,385 – $151,120 |
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 Santa Ana
The local job market reveals that 69 dietitians and nutritionists are currently employed in Santa Ana, which suggests a competitive environment for obtaining positions that offer solid compensation. While the cost of living index stands at 113.1, reflecting higher expenses compared to the national average, this can impact take-home pay, making it crucial for professionals to consider their options carefully. Among local employers, hospital clinical nutrition departments often provide competitive pay, followed closely by long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics specializing in diabetes, cardiology, and oncology. The spread between the lowest and highest salaries typically corresponds to factors such as specialized credentials—like those required for renal, oncology, or sports nutrition—and the choice between lucrative private practice versus more traditional public health roles. To maximize earnings in this Santa Ana market, pursuing board certifications, engaging in cash-pay practices, and diversifying skills in specialty areas can prove beneficial for dietitian and nutritionist pay in Santa Ana, CA.
More salary data for Santa Ana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $103,654 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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