What is a Dietitian or Nutritionist?
Occupation Description 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
- Plan and prepare grant proposals to request program funding.
- Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
- Develop curriculum and prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials used in teaching.
- Test new food products and equipment.
- Plan, conduct, and evaluate dietary, nutritional, and epidemiological research.
- Select, train, and supervise workers who plan, prepare, and serve meals.
Skills Needed to be a Dietitian or Nutritionist
These are the skills Dietitians and Nutritionists say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Diet Consultant
- Therapeutic Dietitian
- WIC Site Coordinator (Women Infants and Children Site Coordinator)
- Dietitian Teacher
- Dietary Aide
Dietitian or Nutritionist Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 68,000 jobs for Dietitians and Nutritionists in 2016.
New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.6% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9,900 new jobs for Dietitians and Nutritionists by 2026. The BLS estimates 5,400 yearly job openings in this field per year.
The states with the most job growth for Dietitians and Nutritionists are California, New York, and Texas.
Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Maine, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Dietitian or Nutritionist
The salary for Dietitians and Nutritionists ranges between about $38,460 and $84,610 a year. The median salary is $60,370.
How much do Dietitians and Nutritionists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
|
California |
$74,060 |
|
Alaska |
$71,210 |
|
Connecticut |
$69,610 |
|
Hawaii |
$69,050 |
|
New Jersey |
$68,810 |
|
Maryland |
$68,760 |
|
Oregon |
$68,590 |
|
New York |
$68,050 |
|
Nevada |
$65,710 |
|
District of Columbia |
$65,490 |
|
Washington |
$65,110 |
|
Massachusetts |
$64,860 |
|
Delaware |
$64,590 |
|
Wyoming |
$63,120 |
|
Rhode Island |
$61,870 |
|
Minnesota |
$61,820 |
|
Florida |
$61,710 |
|
Virginia |
$61,550 |
|
New Hampshire |
$60,900 |
|
Colorado |
$60,500 |
|
Arkansas |
$58,390 |
|
Maine |
$58,310 |
|
Illinois |
$58,020 |
|
Kentucky |
$57,980 |
|
Vermont |
$57,640 |
|
Ohio |
$57,500 |
|
Kansas |
$57,300 |
|
Michigan |
$57,000 |
|
Indiana |
$56,620 |
|
Texas |
$56,550 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$56,440 |
|
Louisiana |
$56,440 |
|
Utah |
$56,390 |
|
North Dakota |
$56,240 |
|
Oklahoma |
$56,100 |
|
Nebraska |
$55,900 |
|
Wisconsin |
$55,760 |
|
South Dakota |
$55,680 |
|
Alabama |
$55,580 |
|
West Virginia |
$55,180 |
|
Tennessee |
$55,120 |
|
Arizona |
$55,060 |
|
North Carolina |
$54,810 |
|
Georgia |
$54,550 |
|
New Mexico |
$54,300 |
|
Missouri |
$54,030 |
|
South Carolina |
$53,690 |
|
Idaho |
$53,420 |
|
Mississippi |
$51,690 |
|
Montana |
$50,650 |
|
Iowa |
$47,580 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Dietitians and Nutritionists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Dietitians and Nutritionists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Office
- Google Drive
Who Employs Dietitians and Nutritionists?
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Dietitian or Nutritionist may also be interested in:
- Optometrists
References
Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons
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