What Does it Take to Be a Dietetic Technician?
Dietetic Technician Definition Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.
Life As a Dietetic Technician: What Do They Do?
- Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
- Observe patient food intake and report progress and dietary problems to dietician.
- Select, schedule, or conduct orientation or in-service education programs.
- Deliver speeches on diet, nutrition, or health to promote healthy eating habits and illness prevention and treatment.
- Provide dietitians with assistance researching food, nutrition, or food service systems.
- Plan menus or diets or guide individuals or families in food selection, preparation, or menu planning, based upon nutritional needs and established guidelines.
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What a Dietetic Technician Should Know
Dietetic Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Dietetic Technician, Registered
- Diet Assistant
- Food Service Technician
- Nutrition Assistant
- Dietary Manager
Dietetic Technician Employment Estimates
There were about 33,400 jobs for Dietetic Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,100 new jobs for Dietetic Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,000 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Dietetic Technician are Arizona, District of Columbia, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Wisconsin, Vermont, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Dietetic Technician
The average yearly salary of a Dietetic Technician ranges between $19,410 and $46,100.

Dietetic Technicians who work in Oregon, Rhode Island, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Dietetic Technicians make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $33,370 |
Alaska | $40,700 |
Arizona | $28,250 |
Arkansas | $26,920 |
California | $35,250 |
Colorado | $28,660 |
Connecticut | $31,500 |
Delaware | $32,030 |
District of Columbia | $30,650 |
Florida | $28,410 |
Georgia | $27,410 |
Hawaii | $32,150 |
Idaho | $27,140 |
Illinois | $25,770 |
Indiana | $38,990 |
Iowa | $26,870 |
Kansas | $27,890 |
Kentucky | $31,740 |
Louisiana | $24,390 |
Maine | $31,010 |
Maryland | $36,750 |
Massachusetts | $36,540 |
Michigan | $26,500 |
Minnesota | $36,720 |
Mississippi | $25,630 |
Missouri | $23,470 |
Nebraska | $32,740 |
Nevada | $34,540 |
New Hampshire | $29,490 |
New Jersey | $34,760 |
New Mexico | $22,900 |
New York | $41,620 |
North Carolina | $28,100 |
North Dakota | $28,160 |
Ohio | $28,990 |
Oklahoma | $24,850 |
Oregon | $44,260 |
Pennsylvania | $30,080 |
Rhode Island | $43,220 |
South Carolina | $25,730 |
Tennessee | $25,490 |
Texas | $26,760 |
Utah | $26,220 |
Vermont | $30,410 |
Virginia | $32,430 |
Washington | $38,410 |
West Virginia | $24,530 |
Wisconsin | $31,790 |
What Tools do Dietetic Technicians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Dietetic Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Spreadsheet software
- MEDITECH software
- Presentation software
- Desktop publishing software
- Appointment scheduling software
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
- ValuSoft MasterCook
- Axxya Systems Nutritionist Pro
- CyberSoft NutriBase
- The Nutrition Company FoodWorks
- ESHA Research The Food Processor
- CBORD Nutrition Service Suite
- Food Service Solutions FoodCo
How do I Become a Dietetic Technician?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Dietetic Technician?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Dietetic Technicians?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
Image Credit: Senior Airman Brittany Paerschke-O’Brien via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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