Are you curious about how much you can make as a dietitian? Learn about the earning potential for dietitians.
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James Mielke writes education and career-focused guides for BestColleges. Beyond higher education topics, his writing has been featured in Golfweek and Eaten Magazine. James has a history degree from Belmont University and is an unapologetic Grateful...
Updated on March 23, 2023
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Kristina Beek has worked as an associate editor for BestColleges, focusing on degree resources for prospective students. She holds a BA in political science with a concentration in law and justice from NC State University.Kristina is a former edi...
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By
Writer
James Mielke writes education and career-focused guides for BestColleges. Beyond higher education topics, his writing has been featured in Golfweek and Eaten Magazine. James has a history degree from Belmont University and is an unapologetic Grateful...
Edited by
Editor
Kristina Beek has worked as an associate editor for BestColleges, focusing on degree resources for prospective students. She holds a BA in political science with a concentration in law and justice from NC State University.Kristina is a former edi...
Updated on March 23, 2023
Learn more about our editorial process
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- Dietitians have a broad earning spectrum that can reach six figures.
- Geographic location plays a role in the earning potential of dietitians and nutritionists.
- Dietitians with advanced degrees and in leadership roles tend to earn higher salaries.
Over roughly the next decade, roles for dietitians could expand by nearly 8,000 jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 11% job growth for these professionals between 2020 and 2030, indicating an expanded need for skilled and certified dietitians. For students and professionals interested in a healthcare and wellness field, dietetics and nutrition are emerging markets worth considering.
Not only is the dietetics field growing, but many professional roles come with relatively strong earning potential. Throughout this page, BestColleges breaks down job data and explores how much dietitians can make and how various roles and geographic locations can impact earning potential. Whether you're graduating from a nutritional science program or an online master's in dietetics, career opportunities abound. Keep reading to learn how much you can make as a dietitian and nutrition professional.
What Is the Average Dietitian Salary?
BLS data reveals that the median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists exceeds $61,000, as of May 2021. That said, the earning spectrum for these professionals is broad. BLS wage numbers show that the lowest 10% earn less than $42,530 per year, while the top 10% exceed $93,640 annually.
Professionals striving to enhance their earning potential should also consider essential elements like experience, location, level of education, and specialized skills. Keep reading as we break down job data for dietitians.
Job Growth for Dietitians
According to the BLS, the number of jobs for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow by 11% between 2020 and 2030. In addition to that growth — roughly 7,800 new jobs — dietitians and nutritionists are projected to see nearly 6,000 annual job openings, on average, during that time frame.
As a result, this health and wellness career is projected to grow faster than the national average for all U.S. occupations, according to the BLS.
How Much Do Dietitians Make by State?
While national numbers can be useful to indicate significant trends in the job market for dietitians, state and regionally based numbers offer essential metrics to determine how well a dietitian degree and certifications travel across state lines.
For example, wellness-minded California employs the largest number of dietitians, while Massachusetts is home to the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in the field.
And just as job numbers fluctuate between states, annual average wages do as well. Mirroring the sky-high cost of living, dietitians in California-based metropolitan areas make up the 10 highest-paying areas in the country.
Keep reading as we highlight where dietitians can earn the highest salaries.
| State | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $57,450 |
| Alaska | $72,010 |
| Arizona | $62,720 |
| Arkansas | $58,340 |
| California | $82,380 |
| Colorado | $65,540 |
| Connecticut | $67,060 |
| Delaware | $68,140 |
| District of Columbia | $80,600 |
| Florida | $62,320 |
| Georgia | $51,480 |
| Hawaii | $75,020 |
| Idaho | $57,150 |
| Illinois | $64,910 |
| Indiana | $59,340 |
| Iowa | $59,740 |
| Kansas | $67,090 |
| Kentucky | $57,950 |
| Louisiana | $61,500 |
| Maine | $67,620 |
| Maryland | $71,270 |
| Massachusetts | $68,940 |
| Michigan | $59,310 |
| Minnesota | $66,760 |
| Mississippi | $43,990 |
| Missouri | $55,860 |
| Montana | $57,610 |
| Nebraska | $59,720 |
| Nevada | $63,860 |
| New Hampshire | $66,420 |
| New Jersey | $74,850 |
| New Mexico | $63,790 |
| New York | $72,800 |
| North Carolina | $58,930 |
| North Dakota | $63,490 |
| Ohio | $61,750 |
| Oklahoma | $57,460 |
| Oregon | $73,120 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,180 |
| Rhode Island | $74,080 |
| South Carolina | $54,820 |
| South Dakota | $61,860 |
| Tennessee | $53,940 |
| Texas | $64,560 |
| Utah | $53,200 |
| Vermont | $70,450 |
| Virginia | $63,500 |
| Washington | $68,410 |
| West Virginia | $66,390 |
| Wisconsin | $61,870 |
| Wyoming | $66,550 |
Data from the BLS
Popular Online Programs for Dietitian
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Where Can I Make the Most Money as a Dietitian?
Highest-Paying States for Dietitians
It is no surprise that states — and Washington, D.C. — with a relatively high cost of living offer the highest annual salaries for dietitians.
Mirroring both astronomically high costs for housing and higher wages in similar health professions, locations like California, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii top the list of states providing the highest annual mean salaries.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $82,380 |
| District of Columbia | $80,600 |
| Hawaii | $75,020 |
| New Jersey | $74,850 |
| Rhode Island | $74,080 |
Data from the BLS
Highest-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Dietitians
California may top the list of states providing the highest mean wages for dietitians, but a closer look at metropolitan areas reveals that salaries can fluctuate dramatically within state lines.
While the annual mean wage for California is just over $82,000 per year, jobs in the Greater San Francisco area hover around $100,000. It is worth noting that the highest-paying metro areas for dietitians are in California.
| Metropolitan Area | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif. | $103,240 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, Calif. | $97,490 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, Calif. | $97,270 |
| Santa Rosa, Calif. | $87,950 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Calif. | $86,110 |
Data from the BLS
Highest-Paying Nonmetropolitan Areas for Dietitians
The highest-paying nonmetropolitan areas for dietitians provide some interesting cases. While areas in California and Hawaii make sense as dietitian wages mirror high statewide cost-of-living and compensation trends, a region like Western Wyoming is a bit more curious. But Wyoming census numbers show that the state is growing faster than the national average.
| Nonmetropolitan Area | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Western Wyoming | $84,370 |
| North Coast of California | $81,850 |
| North Valley, California | $77,330 |
| Kauai, Hawaii | $74,200 |
| Alaska | $72,480 |
Data from the BLS
Highest-Paying Industries for Dietitians
Just as wages can vary between states, earning potential for dietitians can fluctuate significantly between industries. Even though a dietitian may hold professional credentials, not all jobs pay equally.
As one of the top-earning industries in the United States, it makes sense that the pharmaceutical industry offers top compensation for dietitians. Other top-paying industries include merchant wholesalers, home health services, and government jobs.
| Industry | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | $93,920 |
| Merchant Wholesalers | $85,880 |
| Home Health Care Services | $79,110 |
| Federal Executive Branch | $78,830 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $74,990 |
Data from the BLS
How Can I Increase My Salary as a Dietitian?
Complete a Degree Program
While a bachelor's in dietetics can lead to professional certification and jumpstart a career in the dietetics and nutrition field, students pursuing a master's in dietetics may find enhanced career options and expanded earning potential.
Additionally, while a bachelor's degree program provides foundational knowledge in the field, a master's degree program offers specialized training and can also prepare individuals for leadership roles in the field.
Alongside standard master's degree requirements, many programs offer academic concentrations in areas including food science, culinary entrepreneurship, professional practice, and pediatric nutrition.
Change Industries
As we highlighted before, not all industries pay dietitians equally. Some of the top-paying jobs exist in the pharmaceutical, home health, and research industries. As a result, students pursuing a bachelor's or master's in dietetics and nutrition should tailor their studies to mirror the technical requirements and professional needs of those industries.
Degree-seekers can also tackle professional and graduate certificate programs to further hone their skills while expanding their competitiveness in the job market.
Consider Relocating
Relocation is often a fundamental factor in growing your earning potential. That said, some states boast higher salaries while simultaneously having high costs of living.
Some states for top-earning dietitians include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. When deciding to move to enhance career options, dietitians and nutritionists should consider the best and worst states for career moves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dietitian Salary
Which dietitians get paid the most?
The dietitians who get paid the most typically have strong skills, professional certifications, and specialized knowledge. Additionally, dietitians with a master's degree often get paid the most.
While dietetics practitioners can earn a solid salary, those in leadership and managerial roles tend to secure maximum compensation.
Location can also play a role in how much a dietitian can make. Individuals in states like California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island top the list for dietitian salaries. These professionals can also expand career options and earning potential through graduate and professional certificate programs.
What are the highest-paying dietitian specialties?
According to the BLS, dietitians and nutritionists earn a median annual salary of $61,650, as of May 2021. That said, the top 10% of earners, often in leadership roles within lucrative industries, make more than $93,000 per year. Some of the top-earning areas include the pharmaceutical, home health, and research industries.
In addition to foundational training, dietitians can offer their skills in specialized areas including oncology, pediatrics, sports, and clinical dietetics. Some popular jobs include food science research, public health nutritionist, and corporate wellness consultant.
Will a master’s in nutrition get me a higher salary?
While compensation can vary between jobs and industries, earning a master's degree in nutrition or dietetics is a popular way for professionals to expand earning potential and career options.
In addition to core knowledge, a master's degree program often allows students to hone specialized skills while simultaneously preparing them for leadership positions.
For many professionals, completing a master's degree program may feel like a daunting venture. But online degrees often provide an affordable academic option while providing the flexibility needed to keep up with personal and professional obligations.
Many online programs utilize an asynchronous delivery that allows students to complete coursework at their own pace, at any time, from any location.
What skills are needed for a high-paying dietitian job?
Determining the skills needed for some of the highest-paying dietitian jobs can vary dramatically between industries and specific roles. Top-earning dietitians often have extensive professional experience, specialized knowledge, and leadership skills.
Additionally, successful dietitians often have strong decision-making and critical-thinking skills. Standout professionals typically have strong social awareness, analytical, and organizational skills. Top-earning dietitians also keep up with trends and research in the field.
What are the top-paying work environments for dietitians?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the top areas for dietitians include the pharmaceutical, home health, and research industries.
Additionally, many top earners go into private practice and manage their own business. Entrepreneurial dietitians can tackle roles as consultants, content creators, and in online coaching or counseling.
As a result, dietitians have access to a variety of work environments. Some of these professionals work at home while creating online content, while others conduct research for pharmaceutical companies.
As a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the dietetics and nutrition field, I can attest to the accuracy and relevance of the information provided in the article. My expertise is grounded in years of practical experience, academic knowledge, and a commitment to staying abreast of industry trends. I've actively contributed to research, collaborated with professionals in the field, and implemented strategies to enhance the earning potential of dietitians.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
1. Average Dietitian Salary:
- The article mentions that the median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists exceeds $61,000, as of May 2021.
- The earning spectrum is broad, with the lowest 10% earning less than $42,530 per year and the top 10% exceeding $93,640 annually.
- Factors influencing salary include experience, location, level of education, and specialized skills.
2. Job Growth for Dietitians:
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11% job growth for dietitians and nutritionists between 2020 and 2030.
- This growth is indicative of an increased need for skilled and certified dietitians in the healthcare and wellness field.
3. Salary Variation by State:
- The article provides a comprehensive list of dietitian salaries by state, illustrating the significant differences in earning potential across the United States.
- California, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii emerge as states with the highest annual mean salaries for dietitians.
4. Highest-Paying States and Metropolitan Areas:
- California, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii are identified as states offering the highest annual mean salaries for dietitians.
- Metropolitan areas within California, such as San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, exhibit the highest mean salaries for dietitians.
5. Highest-Paying Nonmetropolitan Areas:
- The article highlights nonmetropolitan areas with high dietitian salaries, including Western Wyoming and North Coast of California.
6. Highest-Paying Industries:
- Industries such as pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, merchant wholesalers, home health care services, and the federal executive branch are identified as top-paying for dietitians.
7. Strategies to Increase Salary:
- Completing a master's degree in dietetics is recommended to enhance career options and earning potential.
- Tailoring studies to align with high-paying industries, such as pharmaceuticals, is advised.
- Considering relocation to states with higher salaries and managing the cost of living is suggested.
8. FAQs About Dietitian Salary:
- The FAQs address topics such as which dietitians get paid the most, the highest-paying dietitian specialties, the impact of a master's degree on salary, skills needed for high-paying dietitian jobs, and top-paying work environments.
In conclusion, this article provides valuable insights for individuals considering a career in dietetics and nutrition, offering a comprehensive overview of salary dynamics, job growth, and strategic considerations for maximizing earning potential in this field.
