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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.

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.

  • 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.

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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.

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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:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Who Employs Dietitians and Nutritionists?

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Dietitians and Nutritionists work in the following industries:

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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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