Dietitians and Nutritionists
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.
Common Job Titles
- Clinical Dietitian
- Dietitian
- Nutritionist
- Registered Dietitian
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeFormulate individualized nutrition care plans for diverse patient populations with complex medical conditions, incorporating evidence-based practice guidelines.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign food service programs and menu systems for institutional settings, balancing therapeutic requirements, regulatory standards, and resource constraints.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize emerging nutrition science research with clinical practice to update evidence-based protocols and educate healthcare professionals.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate patient nutritional needs and medical histories in clinical settings, integrating laboratory results and diagnostic data to inform dietary interventions.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze dietary intake data and nutrient composition using specialized nutrition analysis software and food databases to assess compliance with therapeutic goals.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered counseling principles with cultural sensitivity when addressing behavioral change and adherence barriers in individuals with chronic disease.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for nutrition education and disease prevention strategies within interdisciplinary healthcare teams and community programs.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret biochemical markers and anthropometric measurements using bioelectric impedance machines, skinfold calipers, and metabolic carts to assess nutritional status.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess compliance with nutritional care standards and quality metrics through documentation review and outcome monitoring in clinical practice.Proficient
- MindsetEngage patients in collaborative goal-setting and motivational interviewing to promote adherence to medical nutrition therapy.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Dietitians and Nutritionists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
76,570
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $48,830. 25th percentile: U.S. $61,260. 50th percentile: U.S. $73,850. 75th percentile: U.S. $85,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $101,760. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $48,830 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $101,760 |
| Workers on average earn | $74,770 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Biology4.4/5
- Medicine and Dentistry4.3/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Therapy and Counseling4.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Allergenic diet software
- Aurora FoodPro
- Axxya Systems Nutritionist Pro
- BioEx Systems Nutrition Maker Plus
- Compu-Cal Nutrition Assistant
- Cronometer
- CyberSoft NutriBase
- Database software
Tools & Equipment
- Automated blood pressure cuffs
- Bioelectric impedance machines
- Desktop computers
- Glucometers
- Hydrostatic weighing machines
- Ketone meters
- Laptop computers
- Manual blood pressure cuffs