Dietitians and Nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists develop food and nutrition programs to promote health and prevent disease. They work in hospitals, clinics, schools, corporate wellness programs, and research facilities. The role involves counseling clients on dietary choices, managing food service operations, and sometimes conducting nutrition research.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dietitians and nutritionists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A dietitian might begin by reviewing patient medical records and meeting with individuals to assess dietary needs and create personalized nutrition plans. The week includes monitoring food service in a cafeteria or hospital kitchen, analyzing nutritional data, attending staff meetings, and following up with clients on their progress. Some time goes to documentation, updating meal plans, and staying current with nutrition science.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIE. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You enjoy helping people improve their health through practical guidance and value understanding how biological systems work. You're comfortable with both interpersonal counseling and detailed research or data analysis, and you're motivated by concrete health outcomes rather than abstract theory.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Dietitian (Informatics) · Veterans Health Administration · Nashville, Tennessee · $61722–$97087
- Supervisory Dietitian (Clinical Nutrition) · Veterans Health Administration · Tomah, Wisconsin · $106437–$138370
- Dietitian (Clinical) · Veterans Health Administration · Leavenworth, Kansas · $51283–$98671
- Dietitian (Facility Program Coordinator) · Veterans Health Administration · Prescott, Arizona · $89508–$116360
- Dietitian - Clinical · Veterans Health Administration · Washington, District of Columbia · $57736–$111087
- Supervisory Dietitian (Clinical) · Veterans Health Administration · Montgomery, Alabama · $106437–$138370
- Supervisory Dietitian (Clinical Nutrition) · Veterans Health Administration · Chicago, Illinois · $100059–$130080
- Supervisory Dietitian (Clinical Nutrition) · Veterans Health Administration · Salisbury, North Carolina · $108810–$141455
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $83,270 | $98,850 | $110,660 | 8,720 |
| West Virginia | $71,270 | $89,440 | $92,390 | 520 |
| Alaska | $78,330 | $87,980 | $97,510 | 130 |
| New Jersey | $75,570 | $84,450 | $98,530 | 2,870 |
| Washington | $72,230 | $84,220 | $99,940 | 1,450 |
| Oregon | $75,350 | $84,180 | $99,660 | 700 |
| New York | $72,040 | $82,480 | $98,100 | 5,330 |
| District of Columbia | $77,210 | $82,150 | $98,430 | 270 |
| Hawaii | $76,370 | $81,920 | $94,070 | 370 |
| Connecticut | $68,830 | $80,600 | $90,020 | 860 |
| Delaware | $65,650 | $78,060 | $95,320 | 290 |
| Maryland | $70,490 | $77,800 | $86,900 | 1,430 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) — Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) — Clinical Nutrition Certification Board
- Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian (CEDRD) — International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals
- Holistic Nutritionist Certification (HNC) — American Fitness Professionals and Associates
- Sports Nutritionist Certification — American Fitness Professionals and Associates
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 dietitians and nutritionists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.