Dietitian/Nutritionist

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Work Tasks

• Help individuals and groups select healthy foods and make meals
• Plan meals and buy food for schools, hospitals, prisons, and cafeterias
• Do research to find out about food nutrition
• Teach others about nutrition, food, fitness, and health
• Work for food services, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, schools, restaurants, health clubs, the military, prisons, and food companies
• Work with menus, diets, recipes, chefs, healthcare staff, food service equipment, medical records, lab and testing equipment, and computers

Salary, Size & Growth

• $52,000 average per year ($25.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (53,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.9% per year)

Education/Training

• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a related area
• Skills/Courses: College courses include foods, nutrition, institution management, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and physiology.
• Certification/Licensing: Licensing or certification is available.