Dietitians: Jobs & Salaries

Dieticians help people eat balanced, nutritious meals.

Dieticians create and implement food programs. They also educate people about nutrition and the body’s dietary needs. Some dieticians work directly with clients, while others consult with hospitals, schools, weight-loss programs and medical professionals to develop eating regimens that satisfy certain medical and nutritional needs.

Requirements

Dieticians are typically college-educated and registered or certified. A bachelor’s degree is a standard requirement, though some employers look for candidates with a master’s degree or doctorate. Each state has its own regulations regarding certification, licensure or registration. Dieticians can also receive the credential of Registered Dietician from the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association, after passing an examination taken after completion of certain classes or supervised internship. This internship can last anywhere from six months to two years.

Salary

According to Salary.com, the median salary for a dietician, as of November 2010, is $52,567. This figure is in line with the average reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The actual salary earned by a dietician varies according to area, education and experience. Some branches of the field, such as education and research, food service management and consultation, earn more than the average. Branches such as clinical nutrition or community nutrition earn slightly less than average.

Clinical Dieticians

Clinical dieticians work in hospitals, nursing homes and hospices, planning meals to ensure they are nutritionally balanced and sound. They may be involved with preparation planning by working with the chef to increase the appeal of the food. Not only do they plan the menu in advance for the facility, they also develop specialized menus for those with special needs or restricted diets. Some become management dieticians, overseeing a staff of dieticians and getting involved with the supply and purchase of foods, while maintaining responsibility for the overall quality of the program.

Community Dieticians

Community dieticians work in public health centers, health maintenance organizations and other large-scale programs that focus on individuals' overall health and disease prevention. They educate the general public and individual clients on sound eating habits, nutrition, portion control, food preparation and effective grocery shopping. They also work with families, the disabled and the elderly to address their specific needs and educate them on how to adapt their diets to meet those needs.

Consulting Dieticians

Consulting dieticians work with doctors and other health care professionals in an advisory capacity. They also may have a private practice working with patients of their own. Some consulting dieticians assist weight-loss programs, food service companies, food manufacturers and other businesses that focus on nutrition to inform and develop guidelines or programs for the benefit of their clients.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Dietitians and Nutritionists
• Job-Hunt: Dietitian Schools, Salaries, and Job Data