Healthcare San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Dietitian Salary in San Francisco, California

The median dietitian salary in San Francisco, CA is $126,255 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median and 30.1% above the California state average.

City Median
$126,255
vs State Avg
+$29,238
vs National
+$59,805
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median dietitian salary of $126,255, which is $29,238 above the California state average of $97,017. Compared to the national median of $66,450, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $126,255 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $69,371. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dietitians in San Francisco spans from $79,800 at the 10th percentile to $188,100 at the 90th percentile — a $108,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,500, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,500. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dietitian Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level dietitian earns around $85,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,500
+$40,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,200
+$61,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,500
+$85,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $79,800
25th Percentile $100,700
Median (50th) $126,255
75th Percentile $157,700
90th Percentile $188,100

Dietitian Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$116,952
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$102,333
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$99,675
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$83,727
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Dietitian in San Francisco

Education

Most dietitian positions require a bachelor's degree. San Francisco 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 Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dietitian Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open dietitian positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Dietitian make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median dietitian salary in San Francisco, California is $126,255 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $79,800 (10th percentile) to $188,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,255, a dietitian in San Francisco earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for dietitian pay? ▼
San Francisco's median dietitian salary of $126,255 is 30.1% above the California state average of $97,017. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a dietitian salary of $126,255 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dietitian in San Francisco? ▼
Most dietitian positions in San Francisco 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.