Healthcare San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Dietitian Salary in San Diego, California

The median dietitian salary in San Diego, CA is $99,675 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$99,675
vs State Avg
+$2,658
vs National
+$33,225
Cost of Living
142%

Dietitian Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median dietitian salary of $99,675, which is $2,658 above the California state average of $97,017. Compared to the national median of $66,450, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $99,675 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $70,194. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dietitians in San Diego spans from $63,000 at the 10th percentile to $148,500 at the 90th percentile — a $85,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,500, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,500. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dietitian Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level dietitian earns around $67,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,500
+$22,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,000
+$34,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,500
+$47,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $63,000
25th Percentile $79,500
Median (50th) $99,675
75th Percentile $124,500
90th Percentile $148,500

Dietitian Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$126,255
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$116,952
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$102,333
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$83,727
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Dietitian in San Diego

Education

Most dietitian positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, dietitian employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dietitian Jobs in San Diego

Browse open dietitian positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in San Diego

How much does a Dietitian make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median dietitian salary in San Diego, California is $99,675 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $63,000 (10th percentile) to $148,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $99,675, a dietitian in San Diego earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for dietitian pay? ▼
San Diego's median dietitian salary of $99,675 is 2.7% above the California state average of $97,017. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a dietitian salary of $99,675 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dietitian in San Diego? ▼
Most dietitian positions in San Diego require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Medical Nutrition Therapy, Meal Planning, Patient Counseling, Food Science. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.