How Much Money Does a Dietitian Make?
Salaries for dietitians have a very wide range, from $25,000 at the low end, and typically in the range of $45,000 for those working in institutions or community positions. Higher-paid opportunities are available in research and management, and particularly so in freelance consulting and private practice.
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Size
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According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and simplyhired.com, in 2006 the average salary for dietitians ranged between $38,000 to $47,000, depending on the type of work, with median salaries in the $43,000 to $47,000 range. The lowest 10 percent earned about $25,000 a year, and institutional salaries topped out at around $60,000.
Identification
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Dietitians work in large facilities such as clinics, hospitals, schools, nursing homes and prisons. Some are in charge of meal planning and preparation for large-scale facilities, where they supervise food service employees, prepare budgets, and purchase food and supplies. Others work for government agencies, community health programs, outpatient care centers, home health care services and the military. Because of the public's increasing interest in nutrition and healthy diets, more opportunities are available each year at food manufacturing companies to perform research and create promotional literature.
A dietitian promotes healthy eating, creates menus and does nutritional counseling for individuals and groups. They typically choose a focus area such as community, clinical, therapeutic, management or research. Most are employed in the clinical and community fields. -
Types
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Community dietitians work for home care agencies, home health services and health maintenance organizations. They develop nutritional plans for clients, and provide instruction on staying healthy through a good diet. They work with special-needs individuals such as elderly, low-income and disabled people.
Clinical dietitians make recommendations for patients in hospitals and nursing homes. They educate patients and their families on diet changes that can improve health, and they plan menus. Some specialize in certain medical areas such as maternity, diabetes, alcohol detoxification, or achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Potential
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A top concern for members of the American Dietetic Association is the relatively low pay. Institutions and agencies are under budget constraints, and dietetic services typically are not covered by health insurance.
Freelance consultants and those working in private practice can make significantly higher pay. Carolyn Caesar, editor and publisher of "Jobs in Dietetics," told todaysdietitian.com in 2007 that private consultants in California charge between $125 and $250 an hour.
Pay is also higher for dietitians working in business, management, education and research. Working for pharmaceutical and nutrition product companies, food manufacturers and distributors, or as part of university faculty, are all good bets.
Benefits
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Most dietitians work full time Monday through Friday, although some work weekends and holidays. Positions typically include a 401k plan, health insurance and paid vacation. Employment opportunity is expected to grow at an average rate through 2016. Their working conditions usually are clean and climate-controlled, although those working in kitchens may be dealing with excessive heat.
Considerations
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Dietitians need a bachelor's or master's degree, and most states require licenses involving proof of degree and an internship, along with a written exam. Renewal licenses usually require 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
Dietitians must get along with a variety of clients, including some who may have special needs or limited English skills. They also work regularly with medical professionals, government employees, clerical staff and kitchen personnel.
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