What is the Average Salary of a Dietician?

Dieticians have median salaries in the $45,000 range, and many think this is low compared with other health care professionals having similar levels of education. Most dieticians work in institutional settings or for government agencies, with regular full-time schedules and good benefits. Employment outlook is expected to grow at an average rate through 2016.

Geography

Most dieticians and nutritionists work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Others work in schools, community health programs, home health care agencies, government agencies, outpatient care centers, and prisons. Experienced dieticians may go to work in sales for food manufacturers or pharmaceutical companies.

Identification

Dieticians often specialize and work in a focus area of clinical, community, research, gerontological, therapeutic, or administrative. Some plan meals and menus for institutional food service programs. They promote healthy eating, do nutritional counseling, and make diet suggestions. Often they supervise preparation of meals.

Clinical dieticians in hospitals and nursing homes make recommendations for individual nutritional needs. Some specialize even further in certain medical areas, such as caring for the diet needs of cancer patients.

Management dieticians might be in charge of meal planning and preparation for large-scale facilities such as corporate cafeterias, schools, and prisons. They are responsible for hiring, training, and supervising food service workers. They prepare budgets, write administrative reports, and purchase food and other supplies.

Research dieticians typically work in universities, hospitals, and food manufacturing companies. Because the public has become more interested in healthy eating, food manufacturers also hire dieticians to create promotional literature which details nutritional content of various foods.

Benefits

The median salary for dieticians and nutritionists in 2006 was between $43,000 to $47,000, with salaries topping out at around $60,000. The lowest 10 percent were earning about $25,000. Most work full-time in a standard Monday through Friday 40-hour work week, although some work weekends and holidays. Positions typically provide a 401(k) plan, health insurance and paid vacation.

Considerations

According to the American Dietetic Association, a top concern for members is comparatively low pay for education and experience. As of 2001, the average pay for all other health care professionals was nearly $10,000 higher than that of dieticians. Pay typically stalls in the area of $45,000, which is disappointing for dieticians with master's degrees and many years of experience.

Features

Dieticians and nutritionists usually work in well-lighted, climate-controlled, clean conditions. Those who work in kitchens, however, may have to deal with overly-warm environments and can be on their feet for many hours a day. Dieticians usually have their meals provided for free, and some can have a flexible working schedule.

Dieticians must be able to get along with a wide variety of people, including medical professionals, kitchen personnel, clerical employees, and patients and clients. Some clients may have limited English skills. Communication and teaching skills are important for dieticians, along with a caring attitude.

A dietician needs at least a bachelor's degree. Most states require licensing.

Resources

• United States Bureau of Labor Occupational Outlook for dieticians
• Issues with dietician salaries