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Job outlook for dieticians in the United States
Are dietician jobs in demand?
Dietician job and salary trends over time
Dietician jobs over time
Dietician job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,370 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,363 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,390 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,329 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,294 | 0.00% |
Average dietician salary over time
Dietician salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $55,763 | $26.81 | +3.0% |
| 2024 | $54,155 | $26.04 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $53,359 | $25.65 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $52,511 | $25.25 | +0.8% |
| 2021 | $52,078 | $25.04 | +1.7% |
Dietician jobs by state
Most common states for dieticians
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 32 | 2% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 14 | 2% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 12 | 2% |
| 4 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 11 | 2% |
| 5 | California | 39,536,653 | 258 | 1% |
| 6 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 172 | 1% |
| 7 | New York | 19,849,399 | 166 | 1% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 72 | 1% |
| 9 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 72 | 1% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 67 | 1% |
| 11 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 65 | 1% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 52 | 1% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 47 | 1% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 22 | 1% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 19 | 1% |
| 16 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 18 | 1% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 12 | 1% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 11 | 1% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 8 | 1% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 5 | 1% |
Most common cities for dieticians
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franklin | 1 | 4% | $50,980 |
| 2 | Bangor | 1 | 3% | $56,753 |
| 3 | Texarkana | 1 | 3% | $48,074 |
| 4 | Buffalo Grove | 1 | 2% | $53,718 |
| 5 | Monterey Park | 1 | 2% | $70,545 |
| 6 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $67,011 |
| 7 | Carson | 1 | 1% | $70,496 |
| 8 | Fairfield | 1 | 1% | $76,410 |
| 9 | Ontario | 1 | 1% | $70,256 |
| 10 | Reading | 1 | 1% | $49,178 |
| 11 | Silver Spring | 1 | 1% | $64,970 |
| 12 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $53,486 |
| 13 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $51,350 |
Dietician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of dietician experts
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Marywood University
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Connecticut
University of Akron
Tara Kelly MS, RDN
InstructorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
Dietetics And Clinical Nutrition Services
What will help Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Tara Kelly MS, RDN: There's still so much to learn as a new graduate, and one of the best ways I think graduates can continue to learn as early career professionals is by networking with and learning from others in the profession. You can even begin doing this before you graduate! Networking is a great way to get to know others in the profession and learn more about the field in general, including different types of dietetics jobs you may have never considered before. Plus, you never know what unique opportunities networking may lead to. There's still so much to learn as a new graduate, so don't be afraid to seek out connections, ask questions, and continue learning.
What general advice would you give to a Dietician?
Dr. Sandra Poirier: * Definitely technology skills, i.e. AI, and any new computer program that will be developed for maintaining patient's records.
* Understanding the aging population and how those skills working with that aging population are very different than other life stages.
* Telehealth skills using the phone and videos to meet virtually and work with patients.
What will help Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Sandra Poirier: * I think the salary will be higher in an urban area as opposed to a rural location.
* Your salary will increase also if you enroll for an advanced degree and then look for a position.
* Generally, your salary is higher in a clinical setting as compared to home-health care.
Micheline Orlowsky
Clinical Coordinator for the Dietetic InternshipMarywood University
Nutrition & Dietetics Department
What soft skills should all Dieticians possess?
Micheline Orlowsky: Time management, work ethic, organization, ability to prioritize tasks, communication, and negotiation skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Dieticians?
Micheline Orlowsky: Management and analytical skills, critical thinking, marketing skills.
Samantha Coogan
Director, Didactic Program in Nutrition & Dietetics / Lecturer, Undergraduate Coordinator, Nutrition SciencesUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Integrated Health Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Dietician?
Samantha Coogan: - Holding leadership roles can be a potential negotiation tool as it shows a willingness to grow and be goal-oriented. Don't be afraid to negotiate and advocate for yourself, even early on. Recognize your worth and time commitment to your education. Working with a recruiter/career coach or a colleague in the field can help practice negotiation skills.
What Dietician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Samantha Coogan: - Emotional intelligence, Critical thinking, Empathy, Ability to use/adapt to technology. These skills are important now and will continue to be in the future. Professionals need to decipher fact from fiction and navigate new technologies like AI and telehealth.
What will help Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Samantha Coogan: - Get involved in professional organizations, such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, but even more so in your local state affiliate. For example, I live in Nevada, so I'm part of the Nevada Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NvAND). Not only are they great for networking and job opportunities, but also for leadership roles. Seeing newer professionals getting involved in leadership roles is a standout on a resume, and helps employers recognize your dedication to advancing the profession. It might also help with future promotions down the line, and will really help you improve your emotional intelligence/ability to work under pressure.
- Be open to feedback/constructive criticism, and learn to take that feedback with grace. When done properly, constructive criticism can help you evolve as a professional. Adding to that, the ability to self-reflect/evaluate to make improvements.
Ellen Shanley
Dietetics DirectorUniversity of Connecticut
Deptartment of Allied Health Sciences
What soft skills should all Dieticians possess?
Ellen Shanley: I see flexibility and adaptability as number 1. We know that life can change in a moment and we all need to be poised to flexible. Interpersonal skills are always important. Everyone has some much more on their plates today and many people are feeling the stress. We need to be able to empathize with all. Problem solving is another one. We need to be sure we can think critically and come up solution for issues in the workplace.
What will help Dieticians increase their earning potential?
Leann Schaeffer: Regardless of what area you are working in for your first RDN position it is extremely important to network with other RDNs in the community and in the profession. Building a network of fellow RDNs is beneficial in sharing best practices, job opportunities, and supporting our profession.