What are typical dietician salaries?

Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

Typically a registered dietitian salary is 65K, however for chief clinical and clinical nutrition manager on avg is 75K plus. Long term care dietitian is compensated more than an acute care RD, perhaps because there is so much more work.

jaynard in Brooklyn, New York said: Typically a registered dietitian salary is 65K, however for chief clinical and clinical nutrition manager on avg is 75K plus. Long term care dietitian is compensated more than an acute care RD, perhaps because there is so much more work.

I have over 15 years experience and I was making 47,000/year in Southern Indiana working in LTC in 2007. In the midwest, that is considered a good salary for a dietitian! Most RD's have a Master's degree, just like physical therapists and occupational therapist. However, our pay is much less. I would never advise anyone to become a dietitian if they have to survive own their own salary.

In texas I made $50,000 ~7 years ago as a corporate dietitian in long term care. I made $65,000 for an independent home dialysis company. I made $67,000 for an infusion company, I made $60,000 as a hospital clinical manager. All required many long hard hours, 10-12 hour days, some weekends, maybe the holiday off but typically time off during holidays frowned on. I am in excellent standing but the risk of litagation or losing your license is high with state mandates, etc which always makes me nervous , extensive timely documentation is required. Patient care suffers due to all the paperwork required. I am single and wish I had never gone into the healthcare field. I dont find many teachers, dietians or nurses very happy in their jobs. Is that a gender related thing or what??

I think as RD's masters or non-masters we do not value our worth. I would not walk in to any work place and accept any thing less than 75 K with my masters degree and over 15 years experience. And when a new RD comes into hire with me I frequently hear 55 to 60, sometimes I will ask what is your ideal salary... 65 then I will tell her this is your worth... know how to bargain... HR over 99% will give that person their worth. Look at it this way, they go to the lower range first, but there is always a top range. Shoot for the top range or walk away because you will be disgruntled.

Etta,
frankly choose something like occupational therapist or physical therapist if you want to make $$$

P. Blumberg in Saint Albans, New York said: Etta,
frankly choose something like occupational therapist or physical therapist if you want to make $$$

Hi P. Blumberg, I really appreciate your advise, I see you have been and RD for a while. Could you please tell me what you like and don't like about be an RD? Thank you so much.

Etta

Etta in Memphis, Tennessee said: Hi P. Blumberg, I really appreciate your advise, I see you have been and RD for a while. Could you please tell me what you like and don't like about be an RD? Thank you so much.

My first job was community - WIC 32 K a year in those days, then I went back and got my RD and Masters, started off with 52 big jump as a normal RD then moved up, however the comparrison to that of other Rehab disciplines is - they make more $$$ yet we do 4 yrs college 2-3 yrs grad school, tons of hours of internship and pou salary is so small. I f I had to do it over, the yrs I did in school I could have been a pharmacist - 91 K to start! RD tons of paperwork, and the salary is horrible, only if you are in management and that compared to other disciplines is still small!

I work in community nutrition as a dietitian for a nonprofit and the pay is terrible, so the diet tech is probably terrible as well. It is part-time and I make less than $25/hour after 4 years there and have no benefits. This is comparable to other like agencies. Our diet tech is full time. I have a Master's degree, but it does not matter in the compensation I don't think. I do like the work though.

Etta in Memphis, Tennessee said: Hi Susan, I am taking class now to become a dietetic techncian and was hoping one day to continue for a bachelor degree as a registered dietitican. I am presently a CNA, I knew that I didn't want to be a nurse. I chose to be a dietetic technican because I have an interest in nutrition and health. Most dietitians say they like their jobs but I guess it depends on the workplace. Have you ever done community nutrition? If so, which one do you like best, and advise would be appreciated.

I have to agree with many of the posts here. For the education required, dietitians are both undervalued and underpaid. After 15 years of working in a hospital, I have found that many of the other health care workers, especially nurses, feel that they can do what a dieitian does. It does not seem that they are aware of what extensive knowledge our training provides. I would never advise someone to go into dietetics. Yes, the subject of nutrition, both from a dietary and a physiological aspect, is very interesting. But the actual job of dietitian - not so much.

The State of New Mexico pays a Dietitian $15-18/Hr. The Hospitals are not better at $20/Hr. UNM cranks out a dozen new grad every year. It's all about supply and demand. There are too many RDs for too few jobs which drives the salary down.
I recently looked at jobs in Florida, and that state's compensation is even less. The $50-75K jobs are few and far between. I have paid my dues to this profession for 30 years, never making enough to support myself. I would not recommend that anyone enter this practice unless you have a husband to support you.

Hospitals in the West have higher salary levels. My clinical pay tops out at $30.00 /hour with full benefits. I love my job because I get to do a little of everything including community education and I have great flexability with my hours. My children will soon be out of the house though and I will need to look for a full-time job.

To the comment of nurses feel they can do what a dietitian does, the older nurses can for sure. I am one of those retired nurses who had to do all of that before dietitians came to be. We got the same training and also we did all our respiratory treatments as well.

Hi,
I am about to graduate from a four year undergraduate degree in dietetics. I am in the process of applying to internships. Would you recommend that I apply to one that has the master's degree combined? I am not even sure if dietetics is the field I want to go into but it seems like the quickest way to make money for me right now. I am kind of thinking about becoming a physician assistant. If there is anyone that has ever worked in the health field can you tell me which jod you would recommend. Thank You

Nicole

RD's don't make money-- I can tell you in comparrison to nurses and OT's PT's and PA's. Find a masters program in another field and use your RD liscence for Home care in which you may really get a better salary....

aaw214 in Oxford, New York said: RD's don't make money-- I can tell you in comparrison to nurses and OT's PT's and PA's. Find a masters program in another field and use your RD liscence for Home care in which you may really get a better salary....

Hi, I have a bachelor degree in dietetics, graduated 15 years ago. I have not done my internship yet, as I have been a stay-at-home mom all these years. I am interested in going back to school to get my RD through the coordinated masters program in dietetics at the university. But after reading all the comments, it seems that the salaries of an RD are not worth all the schooling. Dietitians do not seem to be paid what they are worth. Supply vs demand. Would I be better off going to the nearby private college for 20 months to complete my nursing credentials and become an RN? Aren't nurses paid better? Perhaps because of greater demand vs supply?

Please get your RN, I am an RD and wish I had gone an gotten an RN liscence.

Nicole in Gainesville, Florida said: Hi,
I am about to graduate from a four year undergraduate degree in dietetics. I am in the process of applying to internships. Would you recommend that I apply to one that has the master's degree combined? I am not even sure if dietetics is the field I want to go into but it seems like the quickest way to make money for me right now. I am kind of thinking about becoming a physician assistant. If there is anyone that has ever worked in the health field can you tell me which jod you would recommend. Thank You

Nicole

Mel in Lebanon, Pennsylvania said: To the comment of nurses feel they can do what a dietitian does, the older nurses can for sure. I am one of those retired nurses who had to do all of that before dietitians came to be. We got the same training and also we did all our respiratory treatments as well.

This is great to hear from an RN. My mom was an RN and never talked about calculating electrolytes for TPN or PPN or doing extensive diabetes ed and coaching.

LIKE IN ANY PROFESSION IN THE USA YOU MUST HAVE THE CREDENTIALS. YOU MUST KNOW NUTRITIONAL MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY. OUR ASSESSMENTS DO NOT ALWAYS STATE ALL OF THESE FACTORS WE ARE LOOKING AT. YOU MUST KNOW PROTEIN NEEDS FOR WELL BEING AND HEALING WOUNDS. YOU MUST HAVE A PROFESSED KNOWLEDGE OF MACRO AND MICRO NUTRIENT 9 (vits) We are required to take 75 cont ed hrs/5 years. I don't see nurses doing this nor their directors insisting.

WE ARE DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS & i feel i know a lot about wound healing yet a nurse has to do the measurement and suggest the best tx. we must respect each other for their in depth knowledge to give care.

i have heard nuses say ' he's eating' yet the diet is not well balanced, missing fiber vit c etc. so, nurses do not have the knowledge of nutrition. BE A SPECIALIST IN YOUR OWN FIELD; CHOOSE ONE AND EXCEL!

What are the going salaries right now for a entry level registered dietitian? Where do you all see the field of dietetics going in the next couple of years?

go for the physician asst program-- we study too hard and the salary is pitiful in comparison to other disciplines in the health field. trust me.

Karen in Spanish Fork, Utah said: Hi, I have a bachelor degree in dietetics, graduated 15 years ago. I have not done my internship yet, as I have been a stay-at-home mom all these years. I am interested in going back to school to get my RD through the coordinated masters program in dietetics at the university. But after reading all the comments, it seems that the salaries of an RD are not worth all the schooling. Dietitians do not seem to be paid what they are worth. Supply vs demand. Would I be better off going to the nearby private college for 20 months to complete my nursing credentials and become an RN? Aren't nurses paid better? Perhaps because of greater demand vs supply?

first, I as in other posts, I dislike being compared to a pharmacist - they hold a much more delicate balance of a patients life than we do. For the most part RD's can come and go, part-time/full-time. You can be a good RD without being cutting-edge (just avoid the icu) and you can be on the edge of everything new. I personally take less money to walk out of the building and leave it there. Being an RD has been great while raising a family. If you work it right.

I have a question. I have my BA and want to become a detician. What is the difference between getting my license through a bachelor's program or a master's program..I have either option and would like to know the advantages of both or disadvantages? The reason I ask is because in the end it seems no matter what program you do you sit for the same exam. Thank you for the help

does not matter,as long as it will give you the opportunity to become registered and if you want to have your masters. I am an RD, but the salary sucks. My sister is a physical therapist--- salary 97k vs my lousy 60!

ann-marie in Hornell, New York said: does not matter,as long as it will give you the opportunity to become registered and if you want to have your masters. I am an RD, but the salary sucks. My sister is a physical therapist--- salary 97k vs my lousy 60!

Is there a benefit to having your masters?

I just applied for financial aid to begin my major in nutrition. I am concerned with the responses I'm reading here and am wondering if this is a good idea after all. I have a genuine interest in nutrition, natural health, helping people and practicing an alternative to most mainstream medicine.

I've been a stay at home mom for almost 3 yrs so this is a big step for me. I don't dare lose precious time with my daughter, pursuing something that I will later hate and not be compensated for all my schooling. Does anyone have any advice? thank you!

I strongly suggest you review the salary for your dicipline before wasting your money!

Maybe i'm confused but to these salaries are not horrible. Of course with advanced work you will make more. But does anyone have POSITIVE things to say about being a dietitian?

Dietetics is a wonderful profession. We have knowledge in so many areas and can understand and expand our knowledge and practice in many different areas of health care because of the wide range of subjects we are required to take. The problem is getting other health care professionals to know this, and getting the salary to go with our knowledge. There is no doubt in my mind that we are not valued in health care for what we know, what we can do, and the many roles/jobs we can handled besides clinical dietetics or food service matters. As an example, let's take the field of diabetes education. An RD CDE, can make the biggest difference for a patient with diabetes. We can help them with all aspects of self management. Yet, most jobs posted want nurses for diabetes educators, not dietitians....

Mel in Lebanon, Pennsylvania said: To the comment of nurses feel they can do what a dietitian does, the older nurses can for sure. I am one of those retired nurses who had to do all of that before dietitians came to be. We got the same training and also we did all our respiratory treatments as well.

SO you can do all the TPN and Clinimix calculation?

I think the main reason Americans are having so many health issues nowadays is because majority of people do not pay attention to preventive health care. i like the saying, we become what we eat. people with heart diseases and weight issues. the solution is very simple. more education to create awareness of good eating and exercise, we need more people in fields such as dietetics, who can show people how to eat right. I think with education in dietetics plus education(license) in acupuncture or other alternative medicine will be a good combination.

teo823 in Seattle, Washington said: I have a question. I have my BA and want to become a detician. What is the difference between getting my license through a bachelor's program or a master's program..I have either option and would like to know the advantages of both or disadvantages? The reason I ask is because in the end it seems no matter what program you do you sit for the same exam. Thank you for the help

In the three months since you posted this, have you found the answer to your question? I have the same degree and the same question. Any advice you've been given will really help me figure out what I'm going to do. Thanks!!

I've talked to a few people who have said it does not matter , experience will get you money and better jobs. Though one said if they were to hire someone they would most likely take the one with the masters if all other qualifications were the same.

i had been really interested in becoming an RD until i read this forum. im only in high school but need to start looking at career paths. this may sound selfish but i do want a career that i have enough money to support not only myself but a family with too. whats another career that has similar duties but pays better and what schooling is needed?

consisder pharmacist-- starting salary--91K
or Physical or occupational therapist. Starting salary 75K

Lindsey in Seattle, Washington said: In the three months since you posted this, have you found the answer to your question? I have the same degree and the same question. Any advice you've been given will really help me figure out what I'm going to do. Thanks!!

As you know you cannot get licensed with a bachelor's degree only. You then need to either do an internship or get a masters and I believe there is a practicum or supervised experience, but I am not totally familiar with the Master's requirements. ADA can give you the info. I did an internship many years ago and felt the experience was invaluable. However, that being said, there is now a shortage of internship positions. It is a very serious problem. So there are graduates who cannot get into an internship and then end up not becoming an RD after investing 4 years of college to do so. It is really a shame. So if I were you I would do the masters so you are assured of that not happening. Never thought I would recommend that, but this is the current reality.

I am trying to decide between two colleges. I have started at one university and am transfering to one of two. The main difference is one college requires a Master's degree before I am able to sit for my RD exam, and the other does not. I believe both require an internship. I would be able to have my BS in three years if I attend the college that does not require a Master's degree, and I could get my BS and a Master's in four years if I attend the other college. My question is: should I get a Master's? What is the difference in salary, and does having a Master's degree put me at an advantage? I really would just like to finsh school, and get into the field, so I am torn.

I recommend a Master's because you will need to get one in the future. They are changing the requirements where you will need a Masters in 5 years of starting to work, but I don't know the date offhand. You can contact ADA in Chicago to find out. Personally I don't believe that someone with no work experience is ready as you have no experience to draw from or to know what direction to take. It's just all theoretical without working. Even an internship does not give you enough experience, especially the way they have shortened some of them. But many do it.

It does not matter whether you have a master's degree or not..in order to become a licensed registered dietitian, you need to complete an ADA approved dietetic internship. i am currently going through my rotations and whoever said it was invaluable is crazy. you spend between 6 months to a year (depending on the program) rotating between foodservice, clinical, and community nutrition sites and hospitals. after you complete the internship you can sit to take the RD exam. Without the internship, you can not take the exam and can only obtain jobs as a nutritionist (which are rare to come by) or a foodservice employee. You can find available ADA internships on the website. the whole process is rather difficult but definitely worth it in the end. As someone has already previously stated, internships are hard to obtain. This year, 4,600 students applied, and only 2,000 positions were available. Get as much experience and "resume building" done as you can: volunteer hours, foodservice job, etc. Hope this helps.

Thank you. Your comment is extremely helpful.

Salaries vary depending on location and job type. I'm currently in Northern California and I would say some of the highest paid dietitians are here, especially the bay area. Starting salary (in most RD fields) in the area varies between $25-30/hr with benefits. Maybe a little less, maybe a little more. Top pay for clinical RD's, management, pharm reps, corporate, military, federal that I know of are in the $100K+ range. Skies the limits for entrepreneurs and private practice.....

RD with BS vs Masters. In my opinion a masters will make you more competitive, but not garauntee better pay. It is also beneficial if you decide to specialize in the field, move up a management position or move on to non traditional RD job (ie. pharm rep, corporate, food science, sports, private practice, etc). It's really up to you to make the most of it...

I only have a BS with 5 years experience and make a little under $40/hr (not including my OT and other pay) in the clinical setting. That includes paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, almost free medical coverage, dental, vision, 401k (non match), life and disability. I've made over $90k including the extra pay I received....The best thing about it is that I love what I do and I'm not overworked.

It's a shame that so many comments were so negative. Why would you all stay in a career that you weren't happy in? Also I'm confused on why you would be giving advice to people to go into other careers when you are not even in that particular field..ie "get into physical therapy, become a pharmacist...." BTW....the grass is not always greener.

I'm not a dietitian but am strongly looking into getting into the field....I'm STILL interested even after all the negative comments but I really hope all the other comments don't steer people away. Stay true to yourself and if this is something you really want to do than go for it :)

Nancy in Boston, Massachusetts said: I work in community nutrition as a dietitian for a nonprofit and the pay is terrible, so the diet tech is probably terrible as well. It is part-time and I make less than $25/hour after 4 years there and have no benefits. This is comparable to other like agencies. Our diet tech is full time. I have a Master's degree, but it does not matter in the compensation I don't think. I do like the work though.

I was a Diet Tech for over ten years & I would never recommend it to anyone. I enjoyed the work, but it is not a positon that has very little support from RD's or other members of a healthcare multidisciplinary team (mostly because they don't know what a Diet Tech is or does). I worked very, very hard and for the most part did the job of the RD's I worked with. That was a good thing because if I wouldn't have done the job no one would have. Acquiring my degee required an extensive amount of work including the same amount and types of preceptorships and clinical work RD's do. It is a job that deserve respect but gets very little.

Thank you Jenn in Antelope Valley and JD in Plano!

I have just started back to school after 20 years. I got my BS in Marketing (20 years ago). I started back this year at a community college doing prerequisites to enter a Didactic or Coordinated Masters program in Dietetics. I like many others on this post am curious about the financial advantages or disadvantages of pursuing this degree. I have three children, 16, 14, and 4 years of age, so the time, commitment and money I invest in my education at this point in my life has to balance out the time, and money not going into my household for the years I am in graduate school.

The post here have mostly been negative and I is good to hear some positive feedback about a career in dietetics. Since being in school and meeting people pursuing different career paths, I have wondered about the value of investment in the path I am choosing considering my personal life circumstances. Nursing or physical or occupational therapy would be my other options. I have some time to decide, still another year or so of prerequisites, but any other balanced insights would be helpful...Thank You!

Just a heads up to people being disheartened by the negative comments on here. First of all, people are more apt to complain about a negative experiences than a positive one. Secondly, any occupation on this forum seems to have a myriad of complaints and feelings of not being "appreciated for their worth"...so try to stay positive. This isn't the most flattering forum for any degree.

Take it from me-- 42 yrs old in the business for over 18 yrs. Salary below what my counter parts in nursing and rehab is making-- even out of college-- choose another field if $$$$ is important to you. My neice-- I suggested to her do pharmacy-- she graduated last yr-- starting salary 93K and she is only 24!

aaw214 in Montrose, New York said: Take it from me-- 42 yrs old in the business for over 18 yrs. Salary below what my counter parts in nursing and rehab is making-- even out of college-- choose another field if $$$$ is important to you. My neice-- I suggested to her do pharmacy-- she graduated last yr-- starting salary 93K and she is only 24!

My experience working in several different health care fields has been that nutrition or medical nutrition therapy really isn't as important as other disciplines. It should be, I think good nutrition is the foundation for good health. Unfortunately, other disciplines don't see it that way. It's not a profession that is taken as seriously, at least in my experience.
My sister got an Associates Degree in Respitory Therapy, the same kind of degree I got as a Diet Tech & made four times as much as I ever did & has job security. A Diet Tech job cannot be found where I live. I am not trying to be negative, I do think at this time people should look carefully into any profession. If you invest the money, time and energy wouldn't it be nice to work at a profession where you can not only get a job but one that will actually pay you your worth...and maybe even get your bills paid?

Etta in Memphis, Tennessee said: Hi Susan, I am taking class now to become a dietetic techncian and was hoping one day to continue for a bachelor degree as a registered dietitican. I am presently a CNA, I knew that I didn't want to be a nurse. I chose to be a dietetic technican because I have an interest in nutrition and health. Most dietitians say they like their jobs but I guess it depends on the workplace. Have you ever done community nutrition? If so, which one do you like best, and advise would be appreciated.

As A Diet Tech I would suggest you skip the Diet Tech degree & go straight for the RD. You will have to repeat a lot of work you did for you Diet Tech degree when you go for your RD. I think it is a good profession (RD) but not a high paying one.

I have been a dietitian for 20 years. I love my profession. However, this summer I will be starting an accelerated (1yr)bachelor's degree program in nursing. What drove me out of the profession;low pay, lack of respect from other healthcare professionals, little job security and low demand for our services.My plan is to combine my knowledge of nutrition combined with my new skills as a nurse to earn enough to support my family.I am earning $20/hr, the nurses around me with only an asssociates degree earn a lot more and I am required to have a minimum of 5 years of training. Unfortunately, too many duties that should be the sole province of the dietitian have been outsourced to nurses and other healthcare professionals.