How much does a Dietary Aide make?
Dietary Aides play a crucial role in healthcare settings, schools, and other facilities by preparing meals and supporting dietary needs. As of the latest data, the average yearly salary for a Dietary Aide stands at about $31,663. This income can vary based on several factors, including experience, location, and the specific industry.
The salary for Dietary Aides ranges from approximately $22,000 to $45,530 per year. Here’s a closer look at the distribution of salaries:
- 10% earn less than $24,139
- 25% earn between $24,139 and $28,417
- 50% earn between $28,417 and $36,974
- 75% earn between $36,974 and $41,252
- 90% earn less than $43,391
What are the highest paying cities for a Dietary Aide?

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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $50,782
In Salinas, food service workers can find roles in various settings such as hospitals and care homes. Prominent employers include the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. The diverse community offers ample opportunities for growth and learning.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $47,308
Seattle offers a vibrant job market for those in food service. Workers here can find positions in restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities. Companies like Bon Appétit Management Company provide stable employment opportunities. The city’s diverse culinary scene makes it an exciting place to work.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $46,214
Vallejo’s job market for food service workers includes positions in local eateries and healthcare facilities. Employers like Kaiser Permanente offer reliable job prospects. The city’s rich history and scenic waterfront setting make it an appealing place to live and work.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $44,848
Santa Rosa offers numerous job opportunities for food service workers in both healthcare and hospitality sectors. Local employers include Sutter Health and various restaurants. The city’s strong agricultural presence provides fresh, local ingredients, enhancing the job experience.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $43,250
Bakersfield is a growing city with many job opportunities in food service. Workers can find roles in healthcare facilities and local restaurants. Companies such as Adventist Health offer stable employment. The warm climate and friendly community make it a welcoming place to work.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $42,302
San Francisco provides a dynamic environment for food service workers. Roles are available in upscale restaurants and healthcare facilities. Employers like UCSF Health are prominent in the area. The city’s cultural diversity and vibrant food scene create a stimulating work environment.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $40,741
Anchorage offers a unique job market for food service workers with opportunities in hotels and dining establishments. Employers such as Providence Alaska Medical Center provide stable positions. The city’s natural beauty and outdoor activities make it an attractive place to work.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $39,955
Minneapolis provides diverse job opportunities in food service within its thriving culinary scene. Positions can be found in restaurants, hospitals, and hotels. Companies like Allina Health offer good employment prospects. The city’s rich history and cultural events add to the job experience.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $39,568
Sacramento offers many job opportunities for food service workers in both healthcare and hospitality. Employers like Kaiser Permanente are well-known in the area. The city’s historical sites and active community life provide a rich backdrop for work and leisure.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $39,135
Portland’s food service job market is vibrant, with roles in trendy restaurants and healthcare facilities. Companies like Kaiser Permanente offer excellent opportunities. The city’s focus on sustainability and outdoor activities creates a unique and fulfilling work environment.
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What are the best companies a Dietary Aide can work for?

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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $54,307
Sutter Health is a top provider of healthcare in California. The company offers many job opportunities for Dietary Aides in locations such as Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Jose. At Sutter Health, Dietary Aides play a key role in making sure patients receive the right meals.
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Northwell Health
Average Salary: $51,589
Northwell Health is a leader in healthcare in New York. It has several locations across the state, including New York City and Long Island. Here, Dietary Aides work to prepare and serve meals to patients in a caring way.
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Elizabeth Seton Children's
Average Salary: $50,306
Elizabeth Seton Children's focuses on children's healthcare and is based in New York. The hospital offers opportunities for Dietary Aides to help prepare and deliver meals for children. The work is important and rewarding.
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MultiCare Health System
Average Salary: $49,817
MultiCare Health System operates in Washington state, with locations in cities like Tacoma and Seattle. The company values Dietary Aides, who help ensure patients get nutritious meals. It’s a chance to make a difference in people’s lives.
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NYU Langone Health
Average Salary: $48,891
NYU Langone Health, located in New York City, is a top medical center. Here, Dietary Aides assist in meal preparation and service, ensuring patients receive proper nutrition. This role is vital in a busy healthcare setting.
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ArchCare
Average Salary: $47,537
ArchCare is a healthcare provider in New York City and its suburbs. Dietary Aides at ArchCare help serve meals to patients and residents. They are an important part of the care team, focusing on quality and care.
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Samaritan Health Services
Average Salary: $47,228
Samaritan Health Services serves Oregon and Washington. Dietary Aides here prepare and deliver meals to patients and residents. It’s a role that combines nutrition with personal care.
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Fairview Health Services
Average Salary: $47,020
Fairview Health Services operates in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Dietary Aides play a key role in meal preparation and service, ensuring patients get the nutrition they need. It’s a job that supports the health of the community.
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MedStar Health
Average Salary: $47,010
MedStar Health is a large healthcare provider in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Dietary Aides at MedStar Health prepare and deliver meals to patients, focusing on quality and care.
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Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital
Average Salary: $46,591
Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital is in New York. Dietary Aides here assist with meal preparation and service, ensuring patients receive proper nutrition. It’s a role that helps support the health of the patients.
How to earn more as a Dietary Aide?
Becoming a Dietary Aide is a rewarding job, but like any career, there are ways to earn more. By focusing on the right strategies, you can increase your chances of getting higher pay. One key method is gaining more experience and certifications. Skilled Dietary Aides often receive higher wages due to their expertise. Another way is to work in high-demand areas such as hospitals or large care facilities. These places often offer better pay for the critical role Dietary Aides play.
Networking within the industry also helps. Building connections can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Attending professional events or joining relevant groups can open doors to higher-paying positions. Taking on additional responsibilities at work can also earn you a raise. For example, taking charge of a larger kitchen or managing a dietary program can lead to higher pay. Finally, continuing education and training can make you more valuable. Specialized skills in nutrition or food safety can set you apart and lead to better-paying jobs.
Here are five factors to help increase your earnings as a Dietary Aide:
- Certifications: Earn certifications in nutrition and food safety.
- Experience: Gain more experience to become more skilled.
- Location: Work in areas with higher demand for Dietary Aides.
- Networking: Build connections within the industry.
- Additional Skills: Learn new skills to stand out.



