Dietary Aide Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Dietary Aide make?

The average salary for a Dietary Aide is $30,302 per year in the US.

A Dietary Aide plays a vital role in healthcare settings, helping to prepare meals and ensure patients receive proper nutrition. The salary for this position can vary based on experience and location. On average, a Dietary Aide earns around $30,302 per year. This figure can range from about $22,000 for those just starting out to over $40,000 for those with more experience.

Factors that can influence salary include the type of facility, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or schools, and the state or city where the job is located. For example, Dietary Aides in larger cities or states with higher living costs may earn more. Additionally, those with additional certifications or specialized skills may see higher pay. Understanding these factors can help job seekers make informed decisions about their career path.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Dietary Aide?

Job seekers looking for high-paying dietary aide positions can find good opportunities in several cities. Salinas, CA, offers the highest average salary at $47,209. Santa Rosa, CA, and Vallejo, CA, also provide competitive wages with averages of $44,671 and $44,262, respectively. These cities present attractive options for those seeking better compensation in their career.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dietary Aide jobs, highlighting Salinas, CA with the highest at $47,209 and Rochester, MN with the lowest at $36,599.
  1. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $47,209
    In Salinas, working as a Dietary Aide offers a chance to support local healthcare facilities. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is a prominent employer. Aides here focus on meal preparation and patient care.
    Find Dietary Aide jobs in Salinas, CA


  2. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $44,671
    Santa Rosa provides a vibrant environment for Dietary Aides. Working at Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest healthcare providers, offers stability and growth. Aides play a key role in ensuring patient meals meet dietary needs.
    Find Dietary Aide jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  3. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $44,262
    Vallejo's healthcare sector is growing, offering good opportunities for Dietary Aides. At NorthBay Healthcare, aides ensure meals are prepared to meet patients' specific dietary requirements. The city's community focus enhances the work experience.
    Find Dietary Aide jobs in Vallejo, CA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $42,353
    Seattle's bustling healthcare environment offers many opportunities for Dietary Aides. At Virginia Mason Medical Center, aides work closely with dietitians to prepare meals. The city's diverse population adds to the dynamic work setting.
    Find Dietary Aide jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $38,905
    Bakersfield offers a supportive environment for Dietary Aides. Kern Medical Center provides a chance to work with a dedicated team. Aides here focus on meal preparation and ensuring patient satisfaction with their meals.
    Find Dietary Aide jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $38,551
    San Francisco's healthcare facilities offer diverse opportunities for Dietary Aides. At UCSF Health, aides work in a cutting-edge environment. The city's focus on health and wellness enhances the work experience.
    Find Dietary Aide jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $38,462
    Portland provides a welcoming environment for Dietary Aides. At Oregon Health & Science University, aides play a crucial role in patient care. The city's emphasis on health and wellness creates a fulfilling work atmosphere.
    Find Dietary Aide jobs in Portland, OR


  8. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $36,733
    Denver offers a dynamic setting for Dietary Aides. At Denver Health Medical Center, aides ensure meals are prepared to meet patients' needs. The city's vibrant community adds to the rewarding work experience.
    Find Dietary Aide jobs in Denver, CO


  9. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $36,628
    Boston's prestigious healthcare institutions offer excellent opportunities for Dietary Aides. At Massachusetts General Hospital, aides work in a high-demand environment. The city's rich history and culture enhance the work experience.
    Find Dietary Aide jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $36,599
    Rochester, home to the Mayo Clinic, offers a prestigious environment for Dietary Aides. Aides here focus on meal preparation and patient care. Working at such a renowned institution provides a unique and rewarding experience.
    Find Dietary Aide jobs in Rochester, MN

What are the best companies a Dietary Aide can work for?

Burbank Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center offers one of the highest salaries for Dietary Aide jobs, with an average of $54,442 per year. Sutter Health and Northwell Health also provide competitive pay, with averages around $51,338 and $49,441, respectively. These companies value their staff and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dietary Aide jobs, highlighting Burbank Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center with the highest at $54,442 and Samaritan Health Services with the lowest at $44,354.
  1. Burbank Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center
    Average Salary: $54,442
    Burbank Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center offers rewarding Dietary Aide positions. They provide excellent care in Burbank, CA. Their team focuses on creating a warm, supportive environment for patients.


  2. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $51,338
    Sutter Health is a leading healthcare provider with many locations across California. They offer competitive salaries for Dietary Aides. Their facilities are known for their high-quality care and patient satisfaction.


  3. Northwell Health
    Average Salary: $49,441
    Northwell Health operates numerous hospitals and clinics in New York. They provide excellent benefits and training for Dietary Aides. Their commitment to patient care makes it a great place to work.


  4. Aspen Valley Hospital
    Average Salary: $49,325
    Aspen Valley Hospital is located in beautiful Aspen, Colorado. They offer a supportive environment for Dietary Aides. Their focus on patient care and community makes it a great place to work.


  5. MultiCare Health System
    Average Salary: $49,163
    MultiCare Health System has many locations in Washington. They offer a variety of opportunities for Dietary Aides. Their dedication to patient care is evident in their high standards.


  6. NYU Langone Health
    Average Salary: $48,189
    NYU Langone Health is a top-tier healthcare provider in New York City. They offer competitive salaries for Dietary Aides. Their focus on innovation and patient care makes it a great place to work.


  7. Mount Sinai Health System
    Average Salary: $47,148
    Mount Sinai Health System is a leading healthcare provider in New York. They offer many opportunities for Dietary Aides. Their commitment to patient care and professional development is strong.


  8. Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital
    Average Salary: $46,076
    Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital is located in Oceanside, New York. They offer a supportive environment for Dietary Aides. Their focus on patient care and community involvement is evident.


  9. Tahoe Forest Health System
    Average Salary: $45,113
    Tahoe Forest Health System operates in beautiful Northern California. They offer rewarding positions for Dietary Aides. Their focus on patient care and community makes it a great place to work.


  10. Samaritan Health Services
    Average Salary: $44,354
    Samaritan Health Services has many locations in Oregon and Washington. They offer a variety of opportunities for Dietary Aides. Their commitment to patient care and community involvement is strong.

How to earn more as a Dietary Aide?

A Dietary Aide can find many ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on certain areas, a Dietary Aide can improve their job performance and potentially earn more. One key factor is gaining additional certifications. These can include food safety and nutrition courses. They can also include specialized training in areas like dementia care or pediatric nutrition. Another way to earn more is by taking on extra responsibilities. This might include overseeing a small team of other aides or managing inventory.

Networking is another important factor. Building relationships with colleagues and supervisors can lead to better job opportunities. Attending industry events and joining professional organizations can also help. Seeking out positions in higher-paying facilities, such as private hospitals or upscale care homes, can also increase earnings. Finally, gaining experience and demonstrating a strong work ethic can lead to promotions and raises. Each of these factors can help a Dietary Aide earn more and advance in their career.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Dietary Aide:

  1. Obtain additional certifications in food safety and nutrition.
  2. Take on extra responsibilities, such as team oversight or inventory management.
  3. Network with colleagues and join professional organizations.
  4. Seek positions in higher-paying facilities, like private hospitals or upscale care homes.
  5. Gain experience and demonstrate a strong work ethic to earn promotions and raises.

Currently 4,724 Dietary Aide job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Dietary Aide in the US?

Learn what a Dietary Aide does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Dietary Aide today.
Position
Overview
Dietary Aide
4,724 Job Openings