Dietitians and nutritionists
SOC Code: 29-1031Also known as:
Administrative Dietitian, Clinical Dietician, Clinical Dietitian, Clinical Nutritionist, Community Dietitian
Median Annual Salary
$73,850
+5.5% growth (2024-2034)
6K
Openings/Year
91K
Current Jobs
What Dietitians and nutritionists Do
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.
💰 Salary
$73,850
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.5%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
6K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Internship/residency
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
90,900
Projected Employment (2034)
95,900
Related Careers
Registered nurses
$93,600 •
+4.9% growth
Nurse practitioners
$129,210 •
+40.1% growth
Family medicine physicians
$238,380 •
+2.7% growth
Pediatricians, general
$210,130 •
+0.8% growth
Dietetic technicians
$37,040 •
+2.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions, and current health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling.
- Evaluate laboratory tests in preparing nutrition recommendations.
- Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
- Advise patients and their families on nutritional principles, dietary plans, diet modifications, and food selection and preparation.
- Incorporate patient cultural, ethnic, or religious preferences and needs in the development of nutrition plans.
- Consult with physicians and health care personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of patient or client.
- Record and evaluate patient and family health and food history, including symptoms, environmental toxic exposure, allergies, medication factors, and preventive health-care measures.
- Develop recipes and menus to address special nutrition needs, such as low glycemic, low histamine, or gluten- or allergen-free.
- Coordinate diet counseling services.
- Develop curriculum and prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials used in teaching.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Dietitians and nutritionists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a dietitians and nutritionists:
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
Human Nutrition
1,095 degrees awarded •
50 colleges offer this program
Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist
919 degrees awarded •
43 colleges offer this program
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services, Other
465 degrees awarded •
23 colleges offer this program
Foodservice Systems Administration/Management
373 degrees awarded •
34 colleges offer this program
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services, Other
135 degrees awarded •
12 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Dietitians and nutritionists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become dietitians and nutritionists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make?
The median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists is $73,850.
What education do dietitians and nutritionists need?
Most dietitians and nutritionists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Nutrition Sciences, Dietetics/Dietitian, Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General.
Is becoming dietitians and nutritionists a good career choice?
Dietitians and nutritionists is projected to see +5.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 6,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for dietitians and nutritionists?
Top colleges for aspiring dietitians and nutritionists include
The University of Texas at Austin, New York University, University of Georgia, University of Florida, University of California-Berkeley.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to dietitians and nutritionists?
Dietitians and nutritionists may also be known as: Administrative Dietitian, Clinical Dietician, Clinical Dietitian, Clinical Nutritionist, Community Dietitian, Consultant Dietitian, Diet Consultant, Diet Counselor, Diet Therapist, Dietary Aide, Dietician, Dietist, Dietitian, Food Advisor, Food Consultant, Holistic Nutritionist, Menu Planner, Nutrition Consultant, Nutrition Coordinator, Nutrition Counselor.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.