All About Dietitians and Nutritionists
Job 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.
A Day in the Life of a Dietitian or Nutritionist
- Test new food products and equipment.
- Manage quantity food service departments or clinical and community nutrition services.
- Organize, develop, analyze, test, and prepare special meals, such as low-fat, low-cholesterol, or chemical-free meals.
- Purchase food in accordance with health and safety codes.
- Plan and conduct training programs in dietetics, nutrition, and institutional management and administration for medical students, health-care personnel, and the general public.
- Confer with design, building, and equipment personnel to plan for construction and remodeling of food service units.
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Dietitian or Nutritionist Needed Skills
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.
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:
- Diet Therapist
- Diet Counselor
- Pediatric Dietician
- Certified Dietary Manager
- Teaching Dietitian
Job Outlook for Dietitians and Nutritionists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 68,000 jobs in the United States for Dietitian or Nutritionist. 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. There will be an estimated 5,400 positions for Dietitian or Nutritionist per 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?
Dietitians and Nutritionists make between $38,460 and $84,610 a year.
Dietitians and Nutritionists who work in California, Hawaii, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Dietitians and Nutritionists make 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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Dietitians and Nutritionists:
- 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
Becoming a Dietitian or Nutritionist
Individuals working as a Dietitian or Nutritionist have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Dietitians and Nutritionists?
Dietitians and Nutritionists work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
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References:
Image Credit: Senior Airman Brittany Paerschke-O’Brien via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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