Dietitians and Nutritionists Held About 57,000 Jobs In 2006

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KEY POINTS OF Dietitians and Nutritionists

• Most jobs are in hospitals,nursing care facilities,outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians or other health practitioners.
• Dietitians and Nutritionists need at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics,foods and nutrition,food service systems management,or a related area; licensure,certification,or registration requirements vary by State.
• Employment is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations;

NATURE OF THE WORK

Dietitians and Nutritionists plan food and nutrition programs,supervise meal preparation, and oversee the serving of meals. They prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary modifications. For example,dietitians might teach a patient with high blood pressure how to use less salt when preparing meals, or create a diet reduced in fat and sugar for an overweight patient.

Dietitians manage food service systems for institutions such as hospitals and schools, promote sound eating habits through education, and conduct research. Many dietitians specialize,becoming a clinical dietitian, community dietitian, management dietitian, or consultant.

EMPLOYMENT

Dietitians and nutritionists held about 57,000 jobs in 2006. More than half of all jobs were in hospitals,nursing care facilities,outpatient care centers,or offices of physicians and other health practitioners. State and local government agencies provided additional jobs - mostly in correctional facilities, health departments and other public-health-related areas. Some Dietitians and Nutritionists were employed in special food services ,an industry made up of firms providing food services on contract to facilities such as colleges and universities,airlines,correctional facilities,and company cafeterias.

EARNINGS

Median annual earnings of dietitians and nutritionists were $46,980 in May 2006. The middle 50% earned between $38,430 and $57,090. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,860, and the highest 10% earned more than $68,330.

According to the American Dietetic Association,median annualized wages of registered dietitians in 2005 varied by practice area as follows: $53,800 in consultation and business; $60,000 in food and nutrition management; $60,200 in education and research; $48,800 in clinical; $44,800 in community nutrition; and$45,000 in clinical nutrition/acute care. Salaries also vary by years in practice, education level, and geographic region.

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