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Dietitian Salary in San Diego, CA

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

Median Salary
$96,300
per year in San Diego
Entry Level
$62,224
Starting salary
Senior Level
$131,857
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
159
59% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$62,224$96,300$131,857
Monthly$5,185$8,025$10,988
Biweekly$2,393$3,704$5,071
Weekly$1,197$1,852$2,536
Hourly$30$46$63

San Diego vs National Average

How San Diego's dietitian salaries compare to national figures.

San Diego Salary
$96,300
COL Index: 159
National Average
$63,840
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$32,460
Higher in San Diego

Cost of Living in San Diego

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,300
per month
Median Income
$69,845
per year
Population
1,423,851
residents
Rent % of Income
39.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 159 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Diego 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
-16%
Los Angeles, CA
$92,930
-3%
Chicago, IL
$72,570
-25%
Houston, TX
$67,610
-30%
Phoenix, AZ
$67,260
-30%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Dietitian Salary in San Diego, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a dietitian in San Diego, CA is $96,300 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 159. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Diego's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level dietitian professionals in San Diego can expect to earn around $62,224 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level dietitians earning approximately $131,857 per year. This represents a 112% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Diego's cost of living index of 159 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Diego 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 San Diego typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,300 per month, housing represents about 28.7% 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 San Diego, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.