What You Need to Know About Dietitian or Nutritionist
Career 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.
Dietitian or Nutritionist Responsibilities
- Test new food products and equipment.
- Advise patients and their families on nutritional principles, dietary plans, diet modifications, and food selection and preparation.
- Make recommendations regarding public policy, such as nutrition labeling, food fortification, or nutrition standards for school programs.
- Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
- Inspect meals served for conformance to prescribed diets and standards of palatability and appearance.
- Purchase food in accordance with health and safety codes.
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Qualities of a Dietitian or Nutritionist
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:
- Clinical Nutrition Manager
- Dietitian Teacher
- Diet Consultant
- Registered Dietician
- Chief Dietitian
Dietitian or Nutritionist Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 68,000 jobs for Dietitian or Nutritionist in 2016. 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.
Dietitian or Nutritionist Average Salary
The salary for Dietitians and Nutritionists ranges between about $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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Dietitians and Nutritionists may use on a daily basis:
- 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 to Become a Dietitian or Nutritionist
What kind of Dietitian or Nutritionist requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Dietitians and Nutritionists Work?
Below are examples of industries where Dietitians and Nutritionists work:
Similar Careers
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References:
Image Credit: Senior Airman Brittany Paerschke-O’Brien via Public domain
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