The Average Nutritionist's Salary
The salary of a nutritionist is highly dependent on a few crucial factors. Education, type of employer and additional skills all factor into the salary equation. The top nutritionist salaries, as with the salaries of many other careers, are taken by those with an ideal balance of the above variables. However, with an increasing interest in the field and a bright job outlook, the average nutritionist's salary will likely become harder to attain without a strong background and skill set.
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What is a Nutritionist?
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Nutritionists are the personal trainers of nutrition. They provide meal plans and nutritional guidance to all types of individuals. A strong working knowledge of nutrition is essential because they must be prepared to handle clients with health considerations and eating disorders. Nutritionists are hired by a variety of organizations to rehabilitate the eating habits of their patients.
Earnings
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While the average earnings of nutritionists varies greatly, the national median is certainly respectable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2006 average median income of nutritionists was $46,980.
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Education
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Because of the high knowledge demands of the job, education is a major factor in career opportunity and salary potential. Nutritionists control the food intake of their clients and must be extremely comfortable with the subject to avoid hurting clients. The average requirements to become a nutritionist include a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as nutrition or exercise science, and a passing score on the state licensing exam.
Type of Employer
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Nutritionists have the opportunity to be employed by a number of different institutions. Some of these employment possibilities include hospitals, private clinics, health clubs and corporate fitness programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who work for general hospitals, nursing facilities, and the state government earn closest to the national average salary.
Additional Skills
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Because of the rising level of competitiveness in many fields, the need for additional skills to attain even an average salary is increasing steadily. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a great job outlook for nutritionists, especially for those with high-end training. Consider taking on an internship to bring your skills up to par. In addition, continuing education is also an option.
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