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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

$61,270

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree


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Experience

Internship


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Skills

Leadership
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Personality Traits

Helpful
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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.

Dietitians employed in the U.S. in October 2020 earned an average salary of $63,281, according to Salary.com. Salaries ranged from $52,431 or less to $75,232 or more. According to...

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 8 percent, much faster than the average for all careers, through 2029, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 has caused diet and nutrition specialists to focus even more attention on safe and nutritious food for people. Dietitians continue to be needed to provide guidance on healthy diets. Employment g...