17 Jobs for Nutrition Majors

Jennifer Lee
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Updated on September 17, 2024
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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.

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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.

Nutritionist and Dietitian Salaries
JobDescriptionSalary (2024)
Dietitian and NutritionistAssess dietary needs, create meal plans, and promote health through nutrition education$69,680*
Clinical NutritionistProvides medical nutrition therapy and creates customized nutritional programs based on patients’ health needs$50,000
Community NutritionistDevelops programs and counsels the public on food, health, and nutrition topics$50,060
Sports NutritionistWorks closely with athletes to develop customized meal plans, ensure proper nutrient intake, and enhance recovery$57,390
Public Health NutritionistWorks in community settings, often focusing on population health and nutrition education$60,110
Nutritional ConsultantProvides personalized dietary advice and meal planning, often working in private practice or for wellness centers$68,910
Food Service DietitianWorks in institutional settings like schools, prisons, or corporate cafeterias, overseeing menu planning and making sure meals meet nutritional standards$76,000
Pediatric DietitianSpecializes in the nutritional needs of infants, children, and adolescents, often working in hospitals or pediatric clinics$57,640
Geriatric DietitianFocuses on the nutritional needs of older adults, working in settings like nursing homes and senior care facilities$56,730
Renal DietitianSpecializes in the dietary management of patients with kidney disease, often working in dialysis centers or hospitals$71,000
Research DietitianConducts research on the effects of nutrients, publishes findings, and works in academic or research settings$70,040
Management DietitianPlans food programs, oversees kitchen staff, and handles business-related tasks such as budgeting and purchasing food$76,000
Source: BLS, Payscale, ZipRecruiter
Non-Traditional Careers for Nutrition Majors
JobDescriptionMedian Annual Salary (2024)
Health Education SpecialistDevelops programs to teach people about conditions affecting their well-being$62,860*
Certified Health CoachHelps individuals improve their health and maintain a healthy lifestyle through dietary plans and exercise routines$108,000
Food ScientistImproves food safety and efficiency in farming and food production$82,090*
Research ChefDevelops new recipes and food products$67,000
Corporate Wellness ConsultantDevelops health initiatives for employees$93,000
Source: BLS, Glassdoor
States With Highest Employment of Dietitians and Nutritionists
StateEmploymentHourly Mean WageAnnual Mean Wage (2023)
California9,940$40.65$84,560
New York5,200$38.71$80,510
Texas4,980$31.94$66,440
Florida4,430$32.69$67,980
Pennsylvania3,630$31.43$65,380
Source: BLS
States With the Highest Pay for Dietitians and Nutritionists
StateEmploymentHourly Mean WageAnnual Mean Wage (2023)
California9,940$40.65$84,560
New Jersey2,320$39.58$82,330
Oregon660$39.56$82,280
New York5,200$38.71$80,510
Alaska130$38.51$80,100
Source: BLS

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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