Dietetic Technicians
Dietetic technicians assist dietitians in providing food service and nutrition programs. They plan and prepare meals according to established dietary guidelines, teach nutrition principles, and counsel clients on food choices. Dietetic technicians work in hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities, community health programs, and corporate wellness settings.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dietetic technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A dietetic technician's week includes preparing therapeutic meals in a kitchen or food service area, monitoring food safety and portion sizes, and documenting nutritional intake for clients. They may teach nutrition classes, help clients understand dietary restrictions, or assist in meal planning. Tasks vary by setting—a hospital technician might prepare modified diets for patients with specific conditions, while a school-based technician oversees lunch program compliance and food safety standards.
Who this work suits
Holland code SRC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you enjoy solving practical problems and working with your hands in real environments while also caring about helping others. People drawn to this role typically combine hands-on food preparation skills with genuine interest in how nutrition affects people's health and wellbeing.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Health Technician (Dietetic) · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Bethesda, Maryland · $41659–$54160
- Health Technician (Dietetic) · Veterans Health Administration · Madison, Wisconsin · $32435–$52957
- Health Technician (Dietetic) · Veterans Health Administration · Miami, Florida · $43384–$56399
- Health Technician (Dietetic) · Veterans Health Administration · Waco, Texas · $40736–$52957
- HEALTH TECHNICIAN (DIETETIC) · Veterans Health Administration · Columbia, South Carolina · $40736–$52957
- Health Technician (Dietetic) · Veterans Health Administration · Richmond, Virginia · $42552–$55318
- Health Technician (Dietetic) -Nutrition and Food Service Ambassador · Veterans Health Administration · Asheville, North Carolina · $40736–$52957
- Health Technician (Dietetic) · Veterans Health Administration · Chicago, Illinois · $45538–$59200
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $49,370 | $54,670 | $60,070 | 60 |
| New York | $38,900 | $50,420 | $60,980 | 1,580 |
| Colorado | $40,760 | $47,810 | $51,060 | 230 |
| Minnesota | $44,940 | $47,610 | $58,360 | 170 |
| Washington | $45,310 | $47,000 | $56,090 | 290 |
| California | $38,340 | $46,410 | $52,270 | 6,310 |
| Arizona | $40,790 | $45,970 | $49,500 | 370 |
| Hawaii | $35,340 | $43,580 | $49,790 | 130 |
| Illinois | $36,950 | $42,550 | $45,860 | 590 |
| Maine | $40,820 | $42,320 | $43,870 | 40 |
| Connecticut | $38,530 | $42,040 | $46,250 | 330 |
| New Hampshire | $35,820 | $41,830 | $48,340 | 230 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) — Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) — Commission on Dietetic Registration
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dietetic technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.