Dietitians and Nutritionists Salary 2025: $76,400 Median, Fast Growth
The median salary for dietitians and nutritionists hit $76,400 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's roughly $37 an hour. The middle 50% earned between $49,090 and $103,720. With 5.5% projected job growth through 2034, this occupation is adding about 6,200 openings each year. Here's what you need to know about pay, paths into the field, and where the jobs are.
How much Dietitians and Nutritionists earn
The national mean wage is $77,130, but your paycheck depends on experience, location, and setting. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) start around $49,090. Experienced practitioners at the 90th percentile earn $103,720 or more. Healthcare and government roles tend to pay more than outpatient care centers or private practice.
California tops the state rankings at $98,850. West Virginia is a surprise high payer at $89,440, followed by Alaska ($87,980), New Jersey ($84,450), and Washington ($84,220). On the low end, Arizona ($64,410), Wyoming ($64,370), and Mississippi ($63,700) trail the median by more than $12,000.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The BLS reports the highest-paying states for dietitians and nutritionists are California ($98,850), West Virginia ($89,440), Alaska ($87,980), New Jersey ($84,450), and Washington ($84,220). The lowest are Arizona ($64,410), Wyoming ($64,370), and Mississippi ($63,700). That's a spread of more than $35,000 between the top and bottom.
How to become a Dietitians and Nutritionist
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in dietetics, food and nutrition, or a related field. Many states also require licensure or certification. The standard path: earn a degree from an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) program, complete a supervised practice internship, then pass the national exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
- Complete a bachelor's degree in dietetics or nutrition (ACEND-accredited).
- Finish a 900-1,200 hour accredited internship or supervised practice program.
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam to earn the RDN credential.
- Apply for state licensure where required (most states have it).
- Consider a master's degree — starting 2024, a master's is required for RDN eligibility.
Job outlook
Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 5.5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 6,200 openings each year, mostly from retirements and turnover. A growing emphasis on preventive care, obesity management, and chronic disease management drives demand in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a dietitian in 2025?
The BLS reports a median of $76,400 and a mean of $77,130 per year as of 2024. Entry-level positions start around $49,090, while top earners make over $103,720.
How much do dietitians make per hour?
The median hourly wage is about $37. The bottom 10% earn roughly $23.60 per hour, and the top 10% earn about $49.90 per hour.
What state pays dietitians the most?
California pays the highest average, at $98,850. West Virginia, Alaska, New Jersey, and Washington also rank in the top five.
Is becoming a dietitian worth it?
With above-average growth (5.5%) and a median salary of $76,400, it's a solid career. The educational path requires a bachelor's degree, internship, and licensing, but the job outlook and pay are favorable.
What education do I need to be a nutritionist?
A bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field is the minimum. Most states require licensure or certification as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, which includes a supervised internship and passing a national exam.
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 Dietitians and Nutritionists data.