From: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department
of Labor
Most jobs are in hospitals, nursing care
facilities, 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.
Faster than average employment growth is
expected; however, growth may be constrained if employers substitute
other workers for dietitians and if limitations are placed on
insurance reimbursement for dietetic services.
Those who have specialized training in renal
or diabetic diets or have a master’s degree should experience
good employment opportunities.
Employment
Dietitians and nutritionists held about 50,000
jobs in 2004. 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 about 1 job in 5—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. Other jobs were in public and
private educational services, community care facilities for the
elderly (which includes assisted-living facilities), individual
and family services, home health care services, and the Federal
Government—mostly in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Some dietitians were self-employed, working as consultants to facilities
such as hospitals and nursing care facilities or providing dietary
counseling to individuals
Job Outlook
Employment of dietitians is expected
to grow
faster than the average for all occupations through
2014 as a result of increasing emphasis on disease prevention through
improved dietary habits. A growing and aging population will boost
the demand for meals and nutritional counseling in hospitals, residential
care facilities, schools, prisons, community health programs, and
home health care agencies. Public interest in nutrition and increased
emphasis on health education and prudent lifestyles also will spur
demand, especially in management. In addition to employment growth,
job openings will result from the need to replace experienced workers
who leave the occupation.
The number of dietitian positions in nursing care facilities and
in State government hospitals is expected to decline, as these establishments
continue to contract with outside agencies for food services. However,
employment is expected to grow rapidly in contract providers of
food services, in outpatient care centers, and in offices of physicians
and other health practitioners. With increased public awareness
of obesity and diabetes, Medicare coverage may be expanded to include
medical nutrition therapy for renal and diabetic patients. As a
result, dietitians that have specialized training in renal or diabetic
diets or have a master’s degree should experience good employment
opportunities.
Employment growth for dietitians and nutritionists may be constrained
if some employers substitute other workers, such as health educators,
food service managers, and dietetic technicians. Growth also may
be curbed by limitations on insurance reimbursement for dietetic
services.
Earning
Median annual earnings of dietitians and nutritionists
were $43,630 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $35,940
and $53,370. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,500, and
the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,760. In May 2004, median
annual earnings in general medical and surgical hospitals, the industry
employing the largest number of dietitians and nutritionists, were
$44,050.
According to the American Dietetic Association, median annualized
wages for 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 nutrition/ambulatory care; $50,000 in clinical nutrition/long-term
care; $44,800 in community nutrition; and $45,000 in clinical nutrition/acute
care. Salaries also vary by years in practice, education level,
geographic region, and size of the community.
For a list of academic programs, scholarships, and other information
about dietetics, contact:
The American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Internet: http://www.eatright.org
