What You Need to Know About Dietitian or Nutritionist
Dietitian or Nutritionist Example 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.
What Do Dietitians and Nutritionists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions and current health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling.
- Coordinate recipe development and standardization and develop new menus for independent food service operations.
- Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
- Consult with physicians and health care personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of patient or client.
- Develop curriculum and prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials used in teaching.
- Purchase food in accordance with health and safety codes.
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Dietitian or Nutritionist Needed Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Dietitians and Nutritionists say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Dietitian or Nutritionist
- Diet Consultant
- Outpatient Dietitian
- Menu Planner
- Food Adviser
- Nutrition Counselor
What Kind of Dietitian or Nutritionist Job Opportunities Are There?
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,400 job openings in this field each 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.
Salary for a Dietitian or Nutritionist
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 each U.S. state?
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
How do I Become a Dietitian or Nutritionist?
What kind of Dietitian or Nutritionist requirements are there?

What work experience do I need to become a Dietitian or Nutritionist?

Who Employs Dietitians and Nutritionists?

Below are examples of industries where Dietitians and Nutritionists work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Dietitian or Nutritionist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Senior Airman Brittany Paerschke-O’Brien via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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