Life As a Dietitian or Nutritionist
Job Description & Duties Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
List of Dietitian or Nutritionist Job Duties
- Coordinate diet counseling services.
- Plan and conduct training programs in dietetics, nutrition, and institutional management and administration for medical students, health-care personnel, and the general public.
- Prepare and administer budgets for food, equipment, and supplies.
- Organize, develop, analyze, test, and prepare special meals, such as low-fat, low-cholesterol, or chemical-free meals.
- Test new food products and equipment.
- Plan and prepare grant proposals to request program funding.
Featured schools near , edit
What a Dietitian or Nutritionist Should Know
When polled, Dietitians and Nutritionists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Correctional Food Service Supervisor
- Dietary Aide
- Therapeutic Dietitian
- Menu Planner
- Clinical Dietician
Is There Job Demand for Dietitians and Nutritionists?
There were about 68,000 jobs for Dietitian or Nutritionist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9,900 new jobs for Dietitian or Nutritionist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,400 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Dietitian or Nutritionist are Colorado, Arizona, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Maine, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Dietitian or Nutritionist Make?
The salary for Dietitians and Nutritionists ranges between about $38,460 and $84,610 a year.
Dietitians and Nutritionists who work in California, Hawaii, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Dietitians and Nutritionists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $55,580 |
| Alaska | $71,210 |
| Arizona | $55,060 |
| Arkansas | $58,390 |
| California | $74,060 |
| Colorado | $60,500 |
| Connecticut | $69,610 |
| Delaware | $64,590 |
| District of Columbia | $65,490 |
| Florida | $61,710 |
| Georgia | $54,550 |
| Hawaii | $69,050 |
| Idaho | $53,420 |
| Illinois | $58,020 |
| Indiana | $56,620 |
| Iowa | $47,580 |
| Kansas | $57,300 |
| Kentucky | $57,980 |
| Louisiana | $56,440 |
| Maine | $58,310 |
| Maryland | $68,760 |
| Massachusetts | $64,860 |
| Michigan | $57,000 |
| Minnesota | $61,820 |
| Mississippi | $51,690 |
| Missouri | $54,030 |
| Montana | $50,650 |
| Nebraska | $55,900 |
| Nevada | $65,710 |
| New Hampshire | $60,900 |
| New Jersey | $68,810 |
| New Mexico | $54,300 |
| New York | $68,050 |
| North Carolina | $54,810 |
| North Dakota | $56,240 |
| Ohio | $57,500 |
| Oklahoma | $56,100 |
| Oregon | $68,590 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,440 |
| Rhode Island | $61,870 |
| South Carolina | $53,690 |
| South Dakota | $55,680 |
| Tennessee | $55,120 |
| Texas | $56,550 |
| Utah | $56,390 |
| Vermont | $57,640 |
| Virginia | $61,550 |
| Washington | $65,110 |
| West Virginia | $55,180 |
| Wisconsin | $55,760 |
| Wyoming | $63,120 |
What Tools do Dietitians and Nutritionists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Dietitians and Nutritionists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Graphics software
- Google Drive
- Statistical software
- ValuSoft MasterCook
- Axxya Systems Nutritionist Pro
- Aurora FoodPro
- ESHA Research The Food Processor
- The Nutrition Company FoodWorks
- BioEx Systems Nutrition Maker Plus
- Skype
- CyberSoft NutriBase
How to Become a Dietitian or Nutritionist
Learn what Dietitian or Nutritionist education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Dietitian or Nutritionist?
Where Dietitians and Nutritionists Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Dietitians and Nutritionists work:
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Dietitian or Nutritionist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Senior Airman Brittany Paerschke-O’Brien via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.