How much does a Dietary Manager make?
A Dietary Manager plays a key role in the food service sector. These professionals oversee food service operations in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other institutions. The average yearly salary for a Dietary Manager is around $50,239. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of facility where they work.
The salary range can be broad, with the lowest-paid 10% earning approximately $32,000 and the highest-paid 10% earning around $82,000. Here are some common salary levels:
- First 10% earn $32,000
- Second 10% earn $36,545
- Third 10% earn $41,091
- Fourth 10% earn $45,636
- Fifth 10% earn $50,182
- Sixth 10% earn $54,727
- Seventh 10% earn $59,273
- Eighth 10% earn $63,818
- Ninth 10% earn $68,364
- Top 10% earn $82,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Dietary Manager?

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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $70,286
In Los Angeles, food and nutrition are key. As a manager here, you'll guide teams in top hospitals and restaurants. Large employers include Kaiser Permanente and Cedars-Sinai.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $70,151
Fresno offers a mix of agricultural and healthcare opportunities. Here, you can manage nutrition programs in schools and hospitals. Major employers include Fresno County and Community Hospital.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $61,833
Portland is known for its food culture. Manage dietary programs in top restaurants and healthcare facilities. Key employers include Providence and Oregon Health & Science University.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $61,160
Baltimore has a vibrant food scene. Manage nutrition in hospitals and schools. Notable employers include Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $59,583
In Honolulu, manage health and nutrition programs in various settings. Work in hospitals and community centers. Key employers include Hawaii Pacific Health and Kaiser Permanente.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $57,787
Austin has a growing food industry. Manage dietary programs in hospitals and restaurants. Work with large employers like St. David’s HealthCare and Seton Healthcare Family.
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Gainesville, FL
Average Salary: $57,450
Gainesville offers a mix of education and healthcare opportunities. Manage nutrition programs in schools and hospitals. Key employers include UF Health and Santa Fe College.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $56,081
Chicago has a diverse food market. Manage programs in hospitals and restaurants. Work with leading employers like Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $55,281
Salt Lake City offers a mix of healthcare and culinary opportunities. Manage nutrition programs in hospitals and restaurants. Key employers include University of Utah Hospital and Intermountain Healthcare.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $54,636
Charlotte is a growing city with many food businesses. Manage dietary programs in hospitals and schools. Work with major employers like Atrium Health and Duke Energy.
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What are the best companies a Dietary Manager can work for?

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Northridge Care Center
Average Salary: $79,000
At Northridge Care Center, a Dietary Manager oversees food service operations. This role ensures residents receive high-quality meals. The center operates in Northridge, California, focusing on providing excellent care.
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EPIC Healthcare
Average Salary: $66,743
EPIC Healthcare hires Dietary Managers to manage their meal programs. They work in various locations across the country, ensuring residents get nutritious and delicious meals. Their focus is on quality and service.
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OnTray
Average Salary: $60,818
OnTray provides meal delivery services and employs Dietary Managers to oversee their food programs. They serve several locations, focusing on convenience and nutrition. Their managers work to create balanced meal plans.
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Catholic Health System
Average Salary: $57,566
Catholic Health System hires Dietary Managers to manage meal services in their facilities. They operate in New York, focusing on compassionate care. Their managers work to ensure all meals meet high standards.
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Saber Healthcare Group
Average Salary: $55,186
Saber Healthcare Group employs Dietary Managers to handle meal programs in their centers. They serve various locations, focusing on quality and care. Their managers ensure all meals are nutritious and well-balanced.
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The Allure Group
Average Salary: $52,176
The Allure Group hires Dietary Managers to oversee meal services. They operate in several locations, focusing on excellent care. Their managers work to provide delicious and nutritious meals to residents.
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Mission Health Communities
Average Salary: $49,989
Mission Health Communities employs Dietary Managers to manage their meal programs. They serve multiple locations, focusing on quality and care. Their managers ensure meals are prepared to meet high standards.
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ALG Senior
Average Salary: $49,235
ALG Senior hires Dietary Managers to oversee food service operations. They serve several locations, focusing on providing excellent care. Their managers work to ensure residents get nutritious and delicious meals.
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The Grand Healthcare System
Average Salary: $47,550
The Grand Healthcare System employs Dietary Managers to manage their meal programs. They serve multiple locations, focusing on quality care. Their managers ensure meals are nutritious and meet high standards.
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Bickford Senior Living
Average Salary: $47,362
Bickford Senior Living hires Dietary Managers to oversee meal services. They serve several locations, focusing on providing excellent care. Their managers ensure all meals are nutritious and well-balanced.
How to earn more as a Dietary Manager?
A Dietary Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring meals are both nutritious and appealing. This position offers an opportunity to earn more by gaining additional qualifications and experience. Increasing earning potential involves several strategic steps. Working in high-demand facilities or areas can also boost salary prospects.
Here are some factors to consider if someone wants to earn more as a Dietary Manager:
- Certification: Certification can lead to higher pay. For example, a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) credential often results in better job offers.
- Experience: More experience can lead to higher salaries. Gaining experience in various types of facilities can make a candidate more attractive to employers.
- Education: Advanced degrees or specialized training in nutrition can open up higher-paying opportunities.
- Location: Salaries can vary greatly by region. Urban areas often pay more than rural ones.
- Specialization: Specializing in areas like clinical nutrition or pediatric diets can increase earning potential.



