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Job outlook for community dietitians in the United States
Are community dietitian jobs in demand?
Community dietitian job and salary trends over time
Community dietitian jobs over time
Community dietitian job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 229 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 227 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 232 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 222 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 216 | 0.00% |
Average community dietitian salary over time
Community dietitian salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $61,786 | $29.70 | +3.0% |
| 2024 | $60,004 | $28.85 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $59,122 | $28.42 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $58,182 | $27.97 | +0.8% |
| 2021 | $57,702 | $27.74 | +1.7% |
Community dietitian jobs by state
Most common states for community dietitians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 57 | 8% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 25 | 3% |
| 3 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 173 | 2% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 157 | 2% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 150 | 2% |
| 6 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 130 | 2% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 123 | 2% |
| 8 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 111 | 2% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 109 | 2% |
| 10 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 109 | 2% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 97 | 2% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 73 | 2% |
| 13 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 71 | 2% |
| 14 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 48 | 2% |
| 15 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 28 | 2% |
| 16 | Delaware | 961,939 | 24 | 2% |
| 17 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 18 | 2% |
| 18 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 17 | 2% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 16 | 2% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 11 | 2% |
Most common cities for community dietitians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Ana | 1 | 0% | $72,796 |
Community Dietitian job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of community dietitian experts
University of Northern Colorado
University of Rhode Island
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Utah State University
University of Georgia
Michigan State University
Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Marywood University
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Kansas State University
University of Akron
Shannon Aguilar MS,RD,LD
Assistant Professor of Practice, Didactic Program DirectorWhat general advice would you give to a Community Dietitian?
Shannon Aguilar MS,RD,LD: Nutrition is constantly changing so staying up to date with current trends, nutrigenomics, food insecurity/food sustainability, social media basics if pursuing consulting field, and cooking skills/classes to engage your patients/clients for real-world skills.
What will help Community Dietitians increase their earning potential?
Shannon Aguilar MS,RD,LD: Learn from each job and take something with you as you grow your skills, knowledge, and experience. Don't be upset/discouraged if you don't get the perfect job first. Eventually, you will learn your strengths and areas of interest may change during your career. Think outside the box and there are so many opportunities for dietitian's that you may not think of so collaborating with other dietitian's through professional organizations like eatrigh.org and/or your state affiliation organization and dietetic practice groups (DPG's) in your area of interest.
What general advice would you give to a Community Dietitian?
Dr. Michelle Johnson PhD, RDN, LDN: The day-to-day function of a registered dietitian can be very different, depending on the type of practice you engage in. We have three main domains of practice: Clinical, Community, and Foodservice, and there is a great deal of variety within these domains. Every program, and every dietitian has a unique perspective on what they enjoy about the field (this is a great thing!). At ETSU, our program focus is Clinical (whether that be inpatient or outpatient settings). One of things I love about being a clinical dietitian is that no two days are alike. Each patient is unique, and I rarely have a day where I am not learning something new. Providing medical nutrition therapy can include all age groups, or you can specialize in an area of practice including obesity and weight management, geriatrics, pediatrics, sport nutrition, oncology, renal and critical care.
What Community Dietitian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Michelle Johnson PhD, RDN, LDN: The field of Dietetics is a great field to enter as it is ever-growing (estimates are 7% growth from 2021-2031), and there are so many career paths to choose from. There are always jobs available. In addition to more traditional health care roles, registered dietitians may choose to become managers of foodservice operations, strive to improve the health of the public through community nutrition efforts, corporate wellness, engage in research, assist with the development of novel food products, work in media and communications, support athletic teams, and even continue in academia to develop future practitioners. There is also flexibility to engage in more than one of these paths over a career, and many dietitians do.
What Community Dietitian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Anne Burdine MS, RDN, LDN: Keep an open mind! Don’t be afraid to say yes to a job that isn’t necessarily your final long-term goal. You never know what doors a job will open and what skills you may pick up along the way. You are not locked in- the field of dietetics is wide, and most dietitians go through several areas in dietetics before finding a more “permanent” landing place. You are never stuck. It’s okay to leave a situation that ultimately isn’t a good fit- but a good general rule of thumb is to give a job 6 months before making any true assessments of if you like it or not. Being the newbie can be hard. I’ve wanted to quit many a job within the first few weeks, but then ended up staying for years and loving it! Also, do not be afraid to say “yes” when trainings and opportunities present themselves (or seek these out when a need arises). Get trained in hands-on skills, advance your degree, conduct research when the opportunity arises- all of these will help to set you apart as a leader.
What will help Community Dietitians increase their earning potential?
Anne Burdine MS, RDN, LDN: The hands-on clinical skills will set us apart from other nutrition professionals who do not hold the registered dietitian credential. Being able to physically assess someone’s nutrition status, uncover and treat malnutrition, and even place NG tubes are all skills that can help secure our spot in the healthcare arena. With the master’s mandate for new graduates, research skills should be more prevalent in new RDNs. Honing your research skills is incredibly important as it can contribute to career advancement as well as the advancement of the profession and patient care.
What Community Dietitian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Stephanie Fanelli PhD, RDN: The field of nutrition and dietetics is so broad, with roles for dietitians in a vast array of industries, clinical and non-clinical settings, and non-profit and government avenues, among many others. Nutrition and dietetics professionals should be open to trying out new roles in a variety of different work settings to explore their own interests and strengths. Ask questions, learn from your peers and colleagues, and speak up when you have an idea or disagree with current practices; As a recent graduate beginning your career, you may not have as much practical experience as your colleagues, but you may be more familiar with the most up-to-date evidence-based practices and recommendations. Become involved in various levels of the field ranging from local or organizational to regional, national, and even international levels, such as membership to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Society for Nutrition, or the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Over time, your involvement in the field will morph into meaningful professional relationships and career opportunities. Develop an approach for staying up-to-date on the latest evidence and recommendations in nutrition and dietetics. The field is evidence-based, meaning that clinical guidelines or practice recommendations are always evolving to reflect most recent research. Identify key resources for finding updated information and staying in-the-know with nutrition research.
What general advice would you give to a Community Dietitian?
Sarah Larson MS, RD, LDN: There are many, many career paths for Registered Dietitians, so each day will vary depending on the position. For example, an RD in a clinical setting (such as a hospital) may start their day by checking in on patient charts, attending multidisciplinary rounds, then developing nutrition care plans and deliver nutrition education to patients, provide recommendations for nutrition plans to the care team, and end the day with charting on their patients. An outpatient RD could see 2-10 patients in a day and their diagnoses can vary from high cholesterol to irritable bowel syndrome to food allergies and everything in between.
What Community Dietitian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sarah Larson MS, RD, LDN: People have never been more interested in food and wellness than they are now. There is an increasing need for nutrition professionals that are providing evidence-based information for optimal health. There is a lot of nutrition misinformation and RDs can work with patients/clients to debunk fallacies and customize advice to each person.
What will help Community Dietitians increase their earning potential?
Sarah Larson MS, RD, LDN: I can't speak for all RDs, but generally, we love to talk about food in any situation. Being an RD is a flexible career path - there is so much that can be done with the credential that many build their own 'dream jobs' from several experiences and opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Community Dietitian?
Pinkin Panchal MS, RDN: Due to the high demand for RDNs in various settings and the recent advanced education requirements, new practitioners can remain competitive through salary negotiation and sign on bonuses for entry level positions. As you become an experienced practitioner, acquiring advanced level certifications through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) in focus practice area will enhance expertise as well as obtaining leadership positions in the field.
What will help Community Dietitians increase their earning potential?
Pinkin Panchal MS, RDN: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) jobs are in high demand due to the current health crisis as more patients are facing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs for registered dietitians and nutritionists will increase by 11% between 2018 and 2028. There are numerous opportunities for registered dietitians to provide medical nutrition therapy within different settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, higher education, and school nutrition as well as state and federal government related positions. As the program director responsible for the education of entry level RDNs, I encourage my graduates to pursue opportunities that they are passionate about as they begin their professional careers. There are so many diverse roles and positions within the field of food and nutrition that an RDN is well equipped for!
What general advice would you give to a Community Dietitian?
Dr. Lacie Peterson PhD, RDN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FAND: To optimize your earning potential in the field, developing and using negotiation skills that effectively convey your value to prospective employers is crucial. Many employers may underestimate or not understand the breadth of what you bring to the table.
What Community Dietitian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Lacie Peterson PhD, RDN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FAND: When considering a career in dietetics, early engagement with practicing professionals is important to learn more about career options. Seek opportunities to connect with dietitians during your academic journey and embrace networking to build relationships within the field.
Emma Laing PhD, RDN, FAND
Clinical ProfessorUniversity of Georgia
Dietetics And Clinical Nutrition Services
What general advice would you give to a Community Dietitian?
Emma Laing PhD, RDN, FAND: Pursue trainings and seek advice from mentors about effective interviewing and negotiating skills. Always negotiate – if a higher salary cannot be granted, then negotiate for updated software or equipment, moving expenses, or job-related perks. Take chances and apply for jobs that you might not necessarily feel qualified for. Persistence is key. If you do not receive the job offer you were hoping, harness your disappointment and use it to keep applying to other positions. Say ‘yes’ to partnerships in or outside of dietetics that align with your values. There are many ways to leverage your expertise in freelance work, e.g., public speaking, consulting, tutoring, marketing, developing recipes, partnering with brands, as well as writing, editing, and publishing in media spaces. Many RDNs operate part-time or full-time private practices or offer online courses for both clients and other professionals, and these can be quite lucrative.
What will help Community Dietitians increase their earning potential?
Emma Laing PhD, RDN, FAND: In the next 3-5 years, it will become more imperative than ever to prioritize social determinants of health and acknowledge your implicit biases in order to provide the best care to your patients and clients. While you should be confident in your abilities, it’s impossible to know the answer to every question. Admit when you do not have the answer and then refer to evidence-based resources or consult with coworkers, colleagues, and other experts in the field in order to find it. Use motivational interviewing techniques to involve your patients in decision making and become familiar with a variety of counseling methods that you can add to your toolbox. Seek feedback regularly and be open to accepting suggestions and improving your skills. You’re never too advanced in your career to seek additional training and supervision. Remember that healthcare is a team sport, and leaning on your coworkers and building relationships with other members of the care team will foster respect and collaboration. Offer to be a preceptor to the next generation of dietitians. There is a lot of satisfaction in mentoring others, and it might surprise you how much you can learn from them as well.
What general advice would you give to a Community Dietitian?
Jill DeJager MPH, RDN: As graduates enter the field of dietetics, it is advantageous to have some motivational interviewing experience and be intentional about further honing motivational interviewing skills in their new position. This is especially important for dietitians who will be providing nutrition education and medical nutrition therapy, but strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for all areas of dietetics. Cultural competence is also a priority. Finally, don’t worry if your first job after passing the RD/RDN exam is not your dream job. Make sure you are networking and building strong connections with other dietitians and health care professionals wherever you are.
What general advice would you give to a Community Dietitian?
Catherine Palmer: We have an aging population, and the field of dietetics will continue to grow. As more people take control of their health and become interested in nutrition and its impact on health, disease prevention, and management, more and more people will seek the expertise of an RDN.
What Community Dietitian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Catherine Palmer: One of the great things about becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is that there are endless opportunities for what one can do with their degree. RDNs work in various settings within healthcare, public health and community, private practice, government, research, and education. While RDNs are medical professionals, they are not limited to working in clinical areas. One dietitian may work in the hospital providing medical nutrition therapy, while another may provide 1:1 nutrition counseling to someone with an eating disorder. Another RDN may work with a professional sports team, while another works to create recipes for a major food company. One dietitian may work in school nutrition, while another may be a researcher at a university. With endless options as an RDN, it’s impossible to outline a standard typical day.
Tara Kelly MS, RDN
InstructorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
Dietetics And Clinical Nutrition Services
What general advice would you give to a Community Dietitian?
Tara Kelly MS, RDN: For starters, apply to the job. Even if you're worried that you don't meet every qualification listed it is absolutely worth applying to any job you're interested in, because you'll never know if you're the employers ideal candidate unless you try. There are ample specialty trainings and certifications you can enroll in as a graduate to continue refining your expertise, make yourself more marketable, and increase your earning potential. You can also do this by continuing your education to earn an advanced degree or other specialty education to help you in your profession. These may not be dietetics-specific, but skills like being able to do statistics or speak a foreign language could help in certain job settings. If you're not sure where to start with this, look at those job postings that you currently don't think you qualify for and take note of the qualifications on the listing that you feel you're lacking. Are any of these skills that you can learn to make yourself a more qualified applicant for jobs like this and others like it?
What Community Dietitian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tara Kelly MS, RDN: Being able to effectively communicate nutrition information to consumers from all backgrounds and walks of life is a skill I believe will always be important in this field. As a society we are also growing accustomed to getting information quickly and in smaller doses (think, social media!), so being able to communicate important, science-based nutrition information in brief, concise ways is a very important skill today and I believe will be even more important in the years to come. Additionally, the personalized approach to nutrition care is only going to continue to become more and more important in the coming years. There's a growing, societal interest in being more mindful of our health and the foods we consume to nourish ourselves, and, with this, I believe many more people will proactively seek guidance from professionals to best meet their unique nutritional needs.
Micheline Orlowsky
Clinical Coordinator for the Dietetic InternshipMarywood University
Nutrition & Dietetics Department
What skills stand out on Community Dietitian resumes?
Micheline Orlowsky: Leadership roles, Volunteer experiences in the profession, passion for the profession.
What soft skills should all Community Dietitians possess?
Micheline Orlowsky: Time management, work ethic, organization, ability to prioritize tasks, communication, and negotiation skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Community Dietitians?
Micheline Orlowsky: Management and analytical skills, critical thinking, marketing skills.
What skills will help Community Dietitians earn the most?
Micheline Orlowsky: Communication skills, management and leadership experience. The ability to market yourself as an expert in the field.
Samantha Coogan
Director, Didactic Program in Nutrition & Dietetics / Lecturer, Undergraduate Coordinator, Nutrition SciencesUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Integrated Health Sciences
What Community Dietitian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Samantha Coogan: - Emotional intelligence, Critical thinking, Empathy, Ability to use/adapt to technology. These skills are important now and will continue to be in the future. Professionals need to decipher fact from fiction and navigate new technologies like AI and telehealth.
Kevin Sauer Ph.D.
ProfessorKansas State University
Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Community Dietitians?
Kevin Sauer Ph.D.: Most likely. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RNDs) are essential members of health care teams and provide specialized nutrition care for patients. Treatments for COVID-19 include screening for nutritional deficiencies and formulating individual nutritional plans. People with serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for developing more serious and potentially long-term complications from COVID-19 and RDNs have increased their capacity to provide nutritional care directly within medical centers and also through telehealth, to reach the most vulnerable clients. Indeed, all organizations are changing and will continue to change their structures and essentially, how they conduct business in the short and long-term due to the impacts of the pandemic. Graduates who monitor and adapt to the ever-changing organizations, and bring solutions under these conditions, will thrive the most.
What soft skills should all Community Dietitians possess?
Kevin Sauer Ph.D.: The traditional collection of commonly known soft skills will remain essential - communication, teamwork, flexibility, critical thinking and so forth. So, I recommend some additional humility skills. First, saying thank you and showing gratitude with sincerity in a vital skill. Giving credit where credit is due, especially when one is gaining from the hard work and thought of others. This fosters teamwork and trust, especially under stressful conditions. Third, practice forming an authentic and genuine apology, since it will be necessary at one point or another. Finally, maintaining systems-thinking and forming solutions around root causes of problems will advance graduates along their career paths.
What will help Community Dietitians increase their earning potential?
Leann Schaeffer: Regardless of what area you are working in for your first RDN position it is extremely important to network with other RDNs in the community and in the profession. Building a network of fellow RDNs is beneficial in sharing best practices, job opportunities, and supporting our profession.