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Median Annual Salary
Nutritionists provide valuable knowledge and skills in a wide variety of job settings. Those skills are increasingly in demand, and salaries are rising along with that demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nutritionists earned a median salary of $69,680 per year, with the highest 10% in the field earning over $98,830.
Take a look at salaries by state.
Where your salary falls will depend on your education, experience, workplace, specialty, and more.
“A person just starting may not expect to earn more than $60,000 per year,” says Divya L. Selvakumar PhD, RD, manager of the nutrition program at the Baltimore County Department of Aging. “However, the more experience, as well as the more education, the higher the salary.”
The wide range of salaries can also be attributed to the fact that many nutritionists run their own practices. As self-employed business owners, they are able to charge whatever they choose for their services.
Highest-Paying Cities for Nutritionists
The city in which you live can make a big difference in the salary you earn. Most of the highest paying cities for nutritionists are in California. If major cities aren’t for you, you can consider Alaska, where the median salary for nutritionists was $77,890 in 2023, or coastal Oregon, where it was $78,470.
Factors that Impact Salary
Your salary as a nutritionist will be influenced by how you build your career. Your education, specialty, certifications you hold, and experience can all have a big impact on your take-home pay. By advancing your education or becoming certified, you could boost your salary. A combination of these factors could help you earn even more.
“High-level nutritionist salaries can be well over $100,000 per year, depending on the position, educational qualifications, and work experience,” says Selvakumar.
Geography
Your state and city can impact your paycheck. For example, in several Southeastern states, nutritionists earn a median salary of less than $55,000. By contrast, nutritionists on the West Coast earn over $64,000. Your city can have just as much of an impact as your state. Although most of the highest-paying cities are in California, the overall highest-paying state, this pattern doesn’t always hold true.
In Beckley, West Virginia, nutritionists earn an annual salary of $71,390, but the median salary for the state is $60,630. That’s a pretty substantial difference. You can see a similar difference in North Carolina, where the median salary is $59,490, but nutritionists in Durham, North Carolina, earn $66,020.
Degree Level
Education makes a big difference in your career. Earning a master’s degree or even a doctoral degree can allow you to apply for advanced and leadership positions. Advanced positions will require a high level of skill, dedication, and knowledge. In return, they generally offer higher salaries to the nutritionists who fill these demanding roles.
Experience
As you gain experience working in different workplaces with different clients, you’ll expand your skills and your knowledge. This can allow you to apply for higher-paying roles. Nutritionists with several years of experience can also consider going into private practice. In private practice, you can build your client base and your business. You’ll be able to set your own hours and your own rates.
Certification
Certifications are a great way to boost your career and your earning potential. Keep in mind that some states require specific licensure or certification for nutritionists. You’ll need to meet the requirements in your state before you can consider any additional certifications.
You can then earn certifications that match your career goals. For instance, you might consider earning a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) certification if you want to work in hospitals or skilled care facilities. If you want to practice holistically focused nutrition, you can earn the Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition (BCHN) certification. These certifications can help you find work in specialized roles and might make a positive impact on your salary.
Workplace
Where you work affects how much you earn. For instance, the BLS reports that nutritionists employed by the federal government earned an annual salary of $84,580 in 2023. Nutritionists employed in outpatient care centers and home health care also earned more than $80,190 a year. Conversely, nutritionists who worked in the offices of other healthcare providers earned a median salary of $67,080.
Specialty
Your specialty can influence the direction your career takes. It might influence decisions like the certifications you earn or the places you work. It might be a large factor in opening your own practice or in pursuing leadership at a large facility. All these factors together will influence the salary you earn over the course of your career.
What’s the Demand for Nutritionists?
The importance of a well-balanced diet to support overall health and wellness is becoming more evident, and nutritionists are in high demand. Now is a great time to earn your education and get started in this growing field.
Previously, the job as a nutritionist or dietitian paid quite low and was not very respected,” says Selvakumar, “but in the last 25 years, society has recognized the major contributions of nutritionists as counselors, clinicians, and educators.
Cities with the highest level of employment
How Do Nutritionist Salaries Compare?
Nutritionists earn salaries similar to many other allied health professionals. Keep in mind that these salaries are averages. Your actual salary will depend on your education, experience, location, and more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Written and reported by:
Stephanie Srakocic
Contributing Writer
With professional insight from:
Divya L. Selvakumar, PhD, RD
Nutrition Program Manager, Baltimore County Department of Aging