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Dietitian Salary in Merced, CA

How much does a dietitian make in Merced? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Merced's cost of living.

Median Salary
$98,058
per year in Merced
Entry Level
$63,360
Starting salary
Senior Level
$134,265
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
120
20% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how dietitian salaries break down across different pay periods in Merced.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$63,360$98,058$134,265
Monthly$5,280$8,172$11,189
Biweekly$2,437$3,771$5,164
Weekly$1,218$1,886$2,582
Hourly$30$47$65

Merced vs National Average

How Merced's dietitian salaries compare to national figures.

Merced Salary
$98,058
COL Index: 120
National Average
$63,840
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$34,218
Higher in Merced

Cost of Living in Merced

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
82,472
residents
Rent % of Income
39.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 120 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Merced have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Dietitian

Overview

Develop nutrition plans and counsel patients on dietary health.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition or Dietetics; registration required

Key Skills

Nutrition PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceHealth Assessment

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Dietitian Salary

See Dietitian salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$80,970
-17%
Los Angeles, CA
$92,930
-5%
Chicago, IL
$72,570
-26%
Houston, TX
$67,610
-31%
Phoenix, AZ
$67,260
-31%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Dietitian Salary in Merced, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a dietitian in Merced, CA is $98,058 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 120. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Merced's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level dietitian professionals in Merced can expect to earn around $63,360 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level dietitians earning approximately $134,265 per year. This represents a 112% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Merced's cost of living index of 120 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Merced are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $63,840, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a dietitian's salary in Merced typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 20.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Dietitians are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Merced, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.