How much does a Dietary Aide make?
Dietary Aides work in many different places, including hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. They help prepare and serve meals to people who need them. The salary for Dietary Aides can vary. The average yearly salary for this job is $31,437. This can change based on experience and the place they work.
Most Dietary Aides earn between $22,000 and $40,761 a year. Here is a look at how much people make at each level:
- 10% earn $22,000 or less
- 20% earn between $22,000 and $26,169
- 30% earn between $26,169 and $28,254
- 40% earn between $28,254 and $32,423
- 50% earn between $32,423 and $34,507
- 60% earn between $34,507 and $36,592
- 70% earn between $36,592 and $38,676
- 80% earn between $38,676 and $40,761
- 90% earn between $40,761 and $44,930
- 100% earn $44,930 or more
What are the highest paying cities for a Dietary Aide?

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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $51,739
In Salinas, you can work in hospitals or schools. This role involves preparing meals for patients and students. Companies like Kaiser Permanente offer excellent benefits.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $46,942
Seattle's busy environment makes it a great place to work as a dietary aide. You might find jobs in hospitals or assisted living facilities. Companies like Providence Health & Services value your skills.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $46,214
Vallejo offers many opportunities in healthcare facilities. Here, you will prepare and serve meals. Kaiser Permanente is a notable employer in the area.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $45,112
Santa Rosa is known for its quality healthcare. As a dietary aide, you can find work in hospitals and care homes. Sutter Health is a leading employer.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $42,504
Bakersfield provides a range of opportunities in the healthcare sector. This role includes meal preparation and service. Adventist Health is a key employer.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $41,625
San Francisco’s diverse job market includes many openings for dietary aides. You can work in hospitals or nursing homes. UCSF Health offers great career growth.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $40,519
Anchorage offers a unique environment for dietary aides. Here, you will prepare meals in hospitals or care facilities. Alaska Regional Hospital is a notable employer.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $39,099
Minneapolis has a strong healthcare sector. This role involves meal preparation and service. Mayo Clinic is a top employer in the area.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $39,039
Sacramento offers various job opportunities for dietary aides. You can work in hospitals or community centers. Kaiser Permanente is a well-known employer.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $39,023
Portland provides diverse opportunities in healthcare. This role includes meal preparation and service. Kaiser Permanente is a leading employer here.
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What are the best companies a Dietary Aide can work for?

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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $54,633
Sutter Health offers Dietary Aide jobs across Northern California. These roles focus on preparing meals for patients and ensuring food safety. Sutter Health operates multiple facilities including Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and Stanford Health Care.
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Northwell Health
Average Salary: $51,449
Northwell Health provides Dietary Aide positions in New York. These roles involve food preparation and maintaining hygiene standards. The company runs many hospitals in the region such as Lenox Hill Hospital and North Shore University Hospital.
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Elizabeth Seton Children's
Average Salary: $50,113
Elizabeth Seton Children’s provides Dietary Aide jobs in New York. Tasks include meal preparation and serving. This organization operates several children’s hospitals, including All Children’s Hospital.
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MultiCare Health System
Average Salary: $50,013
MultiCare Health System offers Dietary Aide positions in Washington. These roles focus on preparing and serving food. The system includes Tacoma General Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital.
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NYU Langone Health
Average Salary: $48,263
NYU Langone Health provides Dietary Aide jobs in New York City. Duties include meal preparation and ensuring dietary needs are met. The company operates several hospitals including NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital and Tisch Hospital.
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Fairview Health Services
Average Salary: $46,957
Fairview Health Services provides Dietary Aide positions in Minnesota. Tasks involve food preparation and serving. The organization operates many hospitals such as Fairview Southdale Hospital and Masonic Children’s Hospital.
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Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital
Average Salary: $46,479
Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital offers Dietary Aide jobs in New York. These roles focus on meal preparation and serving. The hospital is part of the Mount Sinai Health System.
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Advocate Aurora Health
Average Salary: $46,400
Advocate Aurora Health provides Dietary Aide positions across Illinois and Wisconsin. Tasks include meal preparation and ensuring food safety. The system includes Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center and Aurora Medical Center.
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Tahoe Forest Health System
Average Salary: $46,185
Tahoe Forest Health System offers Dietary Aide jobs in California. These roles involve food preparation and serving. The organization includes facilities like Barton Memorial Hospital and Tahoe Forest Hospital.
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ArchCare
Average Salary: $46,049
ArchCare provides Dietary Aide positions in New York. Duties include meal preparation and ensuring dietary needs are met. The company operates in several locations including St. Joseph’s Hospital and Catherine McAuley Health Center.
How to earn more as a Dietary Aide?
To increase earnings as a Dietary Aide, focus on areas that can improve job performance and qualifications. Gaining more skills and certifications can lead to higher pay. Working in different settings, such as hospitals or nursing homes, might offer better wages. Taking on extra responsibilities can also boost income.
A well-rounded approach includes pursuing additional training and education. Certifications in food handling or nutrition can make a Dietary Aide more valuable. Experience in various environments allows for a better understanding of different roles and responsibilities. Additionally, taking initiative and handling extra tasks can set an aide apart and lead to promotions or raises.
Seeking opportunities for advancement and networking within the field can also lead to higher-paying positions. Building connections with colleagues and industry professionals opens doors to better job offers. Staying informed about industry trends and salary benchmarks ensures that an aide can negotiate effectively for a fair wage.
- Pursue additional certifications
- Gain experience in different healthcare settings
- Take on extra responsibilities
- Network with industry professionals
- Stay informed about industry trends



