How to Become a Dietitian / Nutritionist
Turn nutrition science into practical food and lifestyle plans that prevent and manage disease for patients and communities. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $76,400 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$76,400/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
6,200
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Nutrition Assessment
- Counseling
- Meal Planning
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
Helpful certifications
- RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist)
- State dietetics licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Dietitian / Nutritionist make?
The median pay for a Dietitian / Nutritionist is $76,400 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Dietitian / Nutritionist?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are Nutrition and Dietetics, Food Science, Public Health, and Biology.
Is Dietitian / Nutritionist a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 6,200 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Dietitian / Nutritionist use most?
Common skills for this role are Nutrition Assessment, Counseling, Meal Planning, Critical Thinking, and Monitoring.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.