Exercise Physiologist
Use exercise to improve health and help patients recover from illness.
- $59,460
- 4 years
Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care career
Dietitian
Also called: Registered Dietitian · RDN · Nutritionist · Clinical Dietitian
What dietitians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a dietitian do?
Dietitians and nutritionists plan and supervise nutrition programs, counsel patients and clients on healthy eating, and help prevent and treat illness through food. The median pay is $76,400 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Bachelor’s plus graduate program and supervised practice, and employment is projected to grow +7.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$76,400$36.73/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+7.7%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year5,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to trainBachelor’s plus graduate program and supervised practiceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs86,300Employment, 2025
What dietitians do
Dietitians are food and nutrition experts. Clinical dietitians assess patients in hospitals and create medical nutrition therapy plans; community dietitians run public health programs; food service dietitians manage menus in schools and hospitals; others counsel clients privately or work in sports nutrition.
Since 2024, new registered dietitians need a graduate degree, an accredited supervised practice program and the national registration exam. Most states license dietitians. The field is growing with interest in nutrition and prevention.
Typical duties
- Assess patients’ nutritional needs
- Develop nutrition care plans
- Counsel clients on healthy eating
- Monitor and adjust plans
- Plan menus for facilities
- Educate groups and communities
- Document care in health records
Work environment and schedule
Dietitians work in hospitals, clinics, schools, public health agencies, long-term care, food companies and private practice.
Schedule: Most work full-time weekday hours; some hospital roles include weekends.
A day in the life
- Review new hospital admissions flagged for nutrition risk.
- Assess a patient with diabetes and plan carbohydrate counting.
- Calculate tube feeding for an ICU patient.
- Meet the food service team about menus.
See a full day in the life of a dietitian →
Dietitian salary
Half of dietitians earned more than $76,400 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $49,090 for the lowest 10% to $103,720 for the top 10%.
Full dietitian pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a dietitian
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Complete a graduate program
- Pass the CDR exam
- Get licensed
- Specialize
New registered dietitians need a graduate degree, an ACEND-accredited program with supervised practice and the CDR registration exam. Most states require a license.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a dietitian →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Nutrition assessment
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Counseling
- Menu planning
- Tube feeding calculations
People skills
- Empathy
- Communication
- Motivation
- Critical thinking
All dietitian skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Help people through food
- Healthcare role with variety
- Private practice options
- Growing interest in nutrition
Cons
- Requires a graduate degree
- Patients may not follow advice
- Pay may lag other health roles
- Documentation workload
Certifications and licenses
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): Credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- State dietitian license: Required in most states.
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES): Diabetes education credential.
- Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD): Sports nutrition credential.
Career path
- Dietetic Intern: Complete supervised practice.
- Registered Dietitian: Provide nutrition care.
- Specialist Dietitian: Specialize in clinical areas.
- Nutrition Manager or Private Practice Owner: Lead programs or run a business.
Learn the job before day one
Our Dietitian training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as conduct a nutrition assessment and counsel a client on heart-healthy eating, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Health Educator
Teach people and communities how to live healthier lives.
- $64,070
- 4 years
Registered Nurse
Assess patients, give treatments, coordinate care and educate families.
- $97,550
- 2–4 years
Food Science Technician
Test food and ingredients to keep products safe, consistent and tasty.
- $52,130
- 2 years
Compare: Dietitian vs. Exercise Physiologist · Dietitian vs. Health Educator · Dietitian vs. RN · Dietitian vs. Food Science Technician
Dietitian FAQ
What’s the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
Registered dietitians meet education and exam requirements; nutritionist titles may be less regulated.
Do dietitians need a master’s?
Yes, new RDNs need a graduate degree since 2024.
Where do dietitians work?
Hospitals, clinics, schools, public health and private practice.
How much does a dietitian make?
The median annual wage for dietitians was $76,400 ($36.73 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,090 and the highest 10% earned more than $103,720.
How long does it take to become a dietitian?
Most people need about Bachelor’s plus graduate program and supervised practice of training. New registered dietitians need a graduate degree, an ACEND-accredited program with supervised practice and the CDR registration exam. Most states require a license.
Do you need a degree to be a dietitian?
Yes. Since 2024, new registered dietitians need a graduate degree, an accredited supervised practice program and the CDR exam.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1031 (Dietitians and nutritionists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Dietitians and nutritionists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.