Registered Dietician Salary Range

A registered dietician is in charge of working with patients and planning their food and nutrition programs in order to promote a healthy lifestyle. Registered dieticians prepare and supervise meals for their clients by studying, interpreting and developing patients' eating habits and making the necessary changes. Registered dieticians prevent and treat any dietary-related health problems by recommending dietary modifications and promoting healthy eating habits.

Salary

PayScale.com states that the starting average salary for a registered dietician is $39,381 per year, and a dietician with 5 years experience can expect to average $47,341 per year. After 20 years of experience, a registered dietician's average salary increases to $54,189 per year. The average salary for a dietician depends on location, expertise and experience.

Geography

According to SimplyHired.com, the average salary range of registered dieticians can depend on location. The following are the average salaries for registered dieticians, depending on their location: Los Angeles, California ($44,000); Phoenix, Arizona ($37,000); Chicago, Illinois ($43,000); Houston, Texas ($40,000); Miami, Florida ($38,000) and Boston, Massachusetts ($48,000).

Outlook

Studies conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show there will be growing career opportunities for registered dieticians through 2016. These studies report that there will be a 9-percent rise of employment because of the increased emphasis on health care and nutrition. Job opportunities can be found in hospitals, schools and residential care facilities, but the highest paying opportunities are available in private practices and clinics.

Education

Anyone looking to become a registered dietician will need to have at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition or a related field. Students who go on to receive a graduate degree in a related field can expect faster promotions and their average salary to increase at a higher rate.

Certifications

A certificate with the Commission on Dietetic Registration can be beneficial in helping the career of a registered dietician. Although not required, it can offer members cutting-edge techniques and valuable information on meal planning and dieting. Becoming certified with the Commission of Dietetic Registration can increase the average salary of a registered dietician.