Dietitians


Overview

Introduction

Registered dietitians (RDs) are professionals who have met certain educational requirements and passed a national certification exam. For the purposes of this article, the terms dietitian and registered dietitian will be used interchangeably. RDs provide people with foods and dietary advice that will improve or maintain their health. They may be self-employed or work for institutions, such as hospitals, schools, restaurants, and nursing homes—any place where food is served or nutritional counseling is required.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$69,680

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Bachelors Degree


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Experience

Internship


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Skills

Leadership|Scientific|Teaching


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Personality Traits

Helpful|Problem-Solving|Scientific

Earnings

Salaries vary by practice area, years of experience, educational level, and location. In general, administrative, self-employed, and business dietitians earn more than their clinical and community counterparts.

The median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists was $69,680 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $44,910; ...

Work Environment

Dietitians generally work in offices or kitchens. Such environments are usually clean and well lit, as well, although some kitchens may be hot and stifling. Some dietitians sit much of the time, while others spend all day on their feet. Most work 40-hour weeks, but some—especially dietitians who work for hospitals and restaurants—are required to work on weekends and at odd hours. Approximately ...

Outlook

Employment of dietitians and nutritionists will grow by 7 percent, faster than the average for all careers, through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Dietitians continue to be needed to provide guidance on healthy diets. Employment growth of dietitians is also expected to continue because of the publics increasing awareness of the importance of nutrition. Another is the fact that...