Dietitians and Nutritionists
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $76,400/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +5.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.
About 6,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Dietitians and Nutritionists?
The median pay for Dietitians and Nutritionists is $76,400 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Dietitians and Nutritionists?
Employment for Dietitians and Nutritionists is projected to change +5.5% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.
What education is typically required for Dietitians and Nutritionists?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Dietitians and Nutritionists?
About 6,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.