Dietetic technicians
SOC Code: 29-2051Also known as:
Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Child Nutrition Assistant, Clinical Dietetic Technician, Cook Chill Technician (CCT), Diet Aide
Median Annual Salary
$37,040
+2.5% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
31K
Current Jobs
What Dietetic technicians Do
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.
💰 Salary
$37,040
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.5%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
30,900
Projected Employment (2034)
31,700
Related Careers
Health education specialists
$63,000 •
+4.5% growth
Community health workers
$51,030 •
+11.3% growth
Dietitians and nutritionists
$73,850 •
+5.5% growth
Psychiatric technicians
$42,590 •
+20.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Observe and monitor patient food intake and body weight, and report changes, progress, and dietary problems to dietician.
- Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals' dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs.
- Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
- Supervise food production or service or assist dietitians or nutritionists in food service supervision or planning.
- Plan menus or diets or guide individuals or families in food selection, preparation, or menu planning, based upon nutritional needs and established guidelines.
- Develop job specifications, job descriptions, or work schedules.
- Attend interdisciplinary meetings with other health care professionals to discuss patient care.
- Provide dietitians with assistance researching food, nutrition, or food service systems.
- Select, schedule, or conduct orientation or in-service education programs.
- Analyze menus or recipes, standardize recipes, or test new products.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Dietetic technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a dietetic technicians:
Nutrition Sciences
5,456 degrees awarded •
150 colleges offer this program
Dietetics/Dietitian
3,028 degrees awarded •
145 colleges offer this program
Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General
2,264 degrees awarded •
149 colleges offer this program
Dietitian Assistant
615 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Dietetic Technician
159 degrees awarded •
20 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Dietetic technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become dietetic technicians.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietetic technicians make?
The median annual salary for dietetic technicians is $37,040.
What education do dietetic technicians need?
Most dietetic technicians positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Nutrition Sciences, Dietetics/Dietitian, Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General.
Is becoming dietetic technicians a good career choice?
Dietetic technicians is projected to see +2.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 4,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for dietetic technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring dietetic technicians include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Georgia, New York University, University of Florida.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to dietetic technicians?
Dietetic technicians may also be known as: Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Child Nutrition Assistant, Clinical Dietetic Technician, Cook Chill Technician (CCT), Diet Aide, Diet Assistant, Diet Clerk, Diet Tech (Diet Technician), Diet Tech (Dietetic Technician), Diet Technician Registered (DTR), Dietary Aide, Dietary Assistant, Dietary Technician (Dietary Tech), Dietetic Assistant, Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR), Food and Nutrition Assistant, Food and Nutrition Services Assistant, Food Service Technician, Menu Planner, Nutrition Assistant.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.