17 Jobs for Nutrition Majors
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If you’re passionate about health, wellness, and helping others achieve their dietary goals, a career in nutrition might be the perfect fit for you. From working as a dietitian or nutritionist to venturing into food science or public health policy, nutrition majors have various career paths available to them.
This guide will provide you with detailed information about the different roles, educational requirements, potential salaries, and job outlooks in the field of nutrition. Whether you’re just starting your educational journey or considering a career switch, this article can help guide you on the path to becoming a successful nutrition professional.
Nutrition vs. Dietetics: What’s the Difference?
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there are key differences between these two professions in terms of education, certification, and job roles.
Nutrition is a broad field that studies how nutrients in food impact our health. On the other hand, dietetics is a specialized branch of nutrition that applies this knowledge in a practical way to promote health and manage disease.
Dietitians are licensed professionals who can provide medical nutrition therapy and treat medical conditions. Nutritionists, on the other hand, have varying educational requirements depending on the state and often face less regulation. They may offer general nutrition advice but typically cannot treat medical conditions.
Featured Programs in Nutrition & Healthcare
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Types of Nutritionists and Dietitians
Nutritionists and dietitians can specialize in various areas. Most of these roles require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dietetics or a related field, as well as supervised training. Licensure may be required for nutritionists depending on state requirements. Dietitians must have a master’s degree, pass a state examination, and meet any state requirements for licensure. Dietitian salaries vary by state.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), industries with the highest levels of employment for dieticians are general medical and surgical hospitals and outpatient care centers, which had annual mean wages of $73,670 and $80,190, respectively, as of May 2023. Some top-paying industries are merchant wholesalers, government institutions, and scientific research and development services, with salaries ranging from about $67,000 to $80,000. The lowest 10% of earners had a median wage of $44,910 while the highest 10% received $98,830.
On average, BLS projects about 5,600 job openings every year from 2022-2032 with a 7% job growth rate. The states with the highest levels of employment are California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
Note: Salary figures marked with an asterisk (*) in the following tables are based on data from 2023.
| Job | Description | Salary (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist | Assess dietary needs, create meal plans, and promote health through nutrition education | $69,680* |
| Clinical Nutritionist | Provides medical nutrition therapy and creates customized nutritional programs based on patients’ health needs | $50,000 |
| Community Nutritionist | Develops programs and counsels the public on food, health, and nutrition topics | $50,060 |
| Sports Nutritionist | Works closely with athletes to develop customized meal plans, ensure proper nutrient intake, and enhance recovery | $57,390 |
| Public Health Nutritionist | Works in community settings, often focusing on population health and nutrition education | $60,110 |
| Nutritional Consultant | Provides personalized dietary advice and meal planning, often working in private practice or for wellness centers | $68,910 |
| Food Service Dietitian | Works in institutional settings like schools, prisons, or corporate cafeterias, overseeing menu planning and making sure meals meet nutritional standards | $76,000 |
| Pediatric Dietitian | Specializes in the nutritional needs of infants, children, and adolescents, often working in hospitals or pediatric clinics | $57,640 |
| Geriatric Dietitian | Focuses on the nutritional needs of older adults, working in settings like nursing homes and senior care facilities | $56,730 |
| Renal Dietitian | Specializes in the dietary management of patients with kidney disease, often working in dialysis centers or hospitals | $71,000 |
| Research Dietitian | Conducts research on the effects of nutrients, publishes findings, and works in academic or research settings | $70,040 |
| Management Dietitian | Plans food programs, oversees kitchen staff, and handles business-related tasks such as budgeting and purchasing food | $76,000 |
| Job | Description | Median Annual Salary (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Education Specialist | Develops programs to teach people about conditions affecting their well-being | $62,860* |
| Certified Health Coach | Helps individuals improve their health and maintain a healthy lifestyle through dietary plans and exercise routines | $108,000 |
| Food Scientist | Improves food safety and efficiency in farming and food production | $82,090* |
| Research Chef | Develops new recipes and food products | $67,000 |
| Corporate Wellness Consultant | Develops health initiatives for employees | $93,000 |
| State | Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 9,940 | $40.65 | $84,560 |
| New York | 5,200 | $38.71 | $80,510 |
| Texas | 4,980 | $31.94 | $66,440 |
| Florida | 4,430 | $32.69 | $67,980 |
| Pennsylvania | 3,630 | $31.43 | $65,380 |
| State | Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 9,940 | $40.65 | $84,560 |
| New Jersey | 2,320 | $39.58 | $82,330 |
| Oregon | 660 | $39.56 | $82,280 |
| New York | 5,200 | $38.71 | $80,510 |
| Alaska | 130 | $38.51 | $80,100 |
How to Start a Career in Nutrition
Starting a career in nutrition involves several steps, including education, certification, and gaining practical experience.
Step 1: Education
Begin with an undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics, food science, or a related field. Programs often focus on basic sciences such as chemistry, biology, physiology, and biochemistry. You can then advance your education with a master’s degree in nutrition or a similar field. Choose accredited programs recognized by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Step 2: Certification
To become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), you must complete an accredited program, fulfill a supervised practice requirement (usually 1,000 hours), and pass a national exam.
Alternatively, you can become a certified nutrition specialist (CNS) by completing a graduate degree in nutrition and 1,000 hours of supervised experience. After meeting these requirements, you must pass the CNS exam.
Step 3: Practical Experience
Internships or supervised practice is essential for gaining hands-on experience in real-world settings such as hospitals, community health centers, or wellness programs. Volunteering and contributing to nutrition research can further expand your expertise and enhance your resume.
Step 4: Licensure and Continuing Education
Each state has specific licensing requirements, which may include additional examinations or continuing education to maintain your license. Staying updated on the latest trends is crucial.
Step 5: Advanced Specializations
Specializing in areas such as sports nutrition, pediatric dietitian, or clinical nutrition can enhance your career prospects. Advanced certifications can open doors to more specialized employment opportunities.
Where Can I Work As a Nutrition Professional?
Nutrition professionals can work in a range of settings, each with unique roles and responsibilities. Here’s an overview of the various work environments you might consider as you plan your career in nutrition:
Professional Organizations for Nutrition Majors
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the largest organization of dietetics and nutrition practitioners worldwide. Founded in 1917, today, it represents over 112,000 credentialed practitioners.
The American Society for Nutrition
The American Society for Nutrition publishes The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and several other publications. Established in 1928, they are a leading association advancing nutrition research.
The American Nutrition Association
The American Nutrition Association is a nonprofit organization committed to educating, connecting, and certifying nutrition professionals. Its core value is using personalized nutrition to optimize health and prevent disease.
The National Association for Nutrition Professionals
The National Association for Nutrition Professionals offers resources for holistic-minded professionals. The nonprofit business league advocates on behalf of holistically trained nutrition and food professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jobs for Nutrition Majors
Majoring in nutrition involves an interdisciplinary approach to health and wellness, with career paths available in hospitals, schools, and government agencies. The field is growing, offering diverse specializations and the potential for advanced degrees or research.
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