What is a Dietetic Technician?
Occupation Description 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
- Observe patient food intake and report progress and dietary problems to dietician.
- Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
- Provide dietitians with assistance researching food, nutrition, or food service systems.
- Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals’ dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs.
- Develop job specifications, job descriptions, or work schedules.
- Refer patients to other relevant services to provide continuity of care.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Dietetic Technician?
Below is a list of the skills most Dietetic Technicians say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Dietetic Technician
- Dietary Manager
- Dietary Assistant
- Clinical Dietetic Technician
- Diet Technician Registered (DTR)
- Dietary Aid
Dietetic Technician Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 33,400 jobs in the United States for Dietetic Technician. 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.
Salary for a Dietetic Technician
The typical yearly salary for Dietetic Technicians is somewhere 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 each U.S. state?
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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Dietetic Technicians:
- 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 to Become a Dietetic Technician
Learn what Dietetic Technician education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Dietetic Technician?

Dietetic Technicians Sector

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.
Featured Schools
![]() |
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 > |