Dietetic Technician Salary 2025: $37,640 Median, Top States & Career Path
The median annual wage for Dietetic Technicians is $37,640, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $18 per hour, with the middle 50% earning between $29,720 and $54,020. With about 31,560 jobs nationwide and modest growth ahead, this role offers a stable entry point into the nutrition field.
How much Dietetic Technicians earn
The national average salary—the mean—is $40,630, but the median gives a better picture of a typical paycheck: $37,640. Ten percent earn less than $29,720, while the top 10% bring home over $54,020. Pay varies sharply by setting: those in hospitals ($42,330) and outpatient care centers ($43,660) tend to outearn peers in nursing homes ($38,730) or schools ($36,290). Experience translates into higher wages, but location matters even more.
- Median: $37,640 (mean $40,630)
- Typical range: $29,720 – $54,020
- Top earners (90th %ile): $54,020
- Lowest (10th %ile): $29,720
Pay by state
Where you work changes your paycheck by thousands. Oregon tops the list at $54,670 average annual wage, followed by New York ($50,420), Colorado ($47,810), Minnesota ($47,610), and Washington ($47,000). At the other end, Kentucky ($28,970), Louisiana ($28,860), and Mississippi ($28,690) pay the least—about half of Oregon's rate. Cost of living explains some of the gap, but not all: even adjusted, Oregon and New York stand out.
How to become a Dietetic Technician
Dietetic Technicians typically need an associate degree in dietetics or a related field from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). These programs mix classroom instruction with supervised practice, often a 450-hour internship. After graduating, you can sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam to earn the credential 'Dietetic Technician, Registered' (DTR). Some states require licensure or certification; check your state's rules. Starting pay is near the national median, but moving to a higher-paying state or setting with experience can boost earnings.
- Earn an associate degree from an ACEND-accredited program
- Complete supervised practice (typically ~450 hours)
- Pass the CDR exam to become a DTR
- Check state licensure requirements
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for Dietetic Technicians will grow 2.5% from 2024 to 2034, which is about as fast as average across all occupations. That translates to roughly 4,000 openings each year, mostly due to workers retiring or leaving the field. Demand is driven by an aging population needing nutritional care and a growing focus on preventive health. Competition for jobs will be strongest in areas with more training programs; those with DTR credentials and experience in clinical settings will have the edge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a Dietetic Technician in 2025?
The median annual salary is $37,640. The top 10% earn $54,020 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $29,720 or less.
How do I become a Dietetic Technician?
You need an associate degree from an ACEND-accredited program, including supervised practice. After that, pass the CDR exam to become a Registered Dietetic Technician (DTR). Some states also require licensure.
Is Dietetic Technician a growing career?
Yes, employment is projected to grow 2.5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average. Around 4,000 job openings are expected each year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Dietetic Technicians data.