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Dietary assistant vs dietary aide

The differences between dietary assistants and dietary aides can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a dietary assistant has an average salary of $28,234, which is higher than the $28,005 average annual salary of a dietary aide.

The top three skills for a dietary assistant include patients, food service and meal trays. The most important skills for a dietary aide are patients, meal trays, and food service.

Dietary assistant vs dietary aide overview

Dietary AssistantDietary Aide
Yearly salary$28,234$28,005
Hourly rate$13.57$13.46
Growth rate2%9%
Number of jobs12,81244,494
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 50%
Average age3741
Years of experience-2

What does a dietary assistant do?

A dietary assistant is in charge of the food preparation of individuals in various settings. Dietary aides, dietary assistants cook food, check the compliance of proper procedure in safety and health measures, and maintain a clean environment in the kitchen. The assistants may work part-time or full-time, and during holidays, weekends, or evenings to accommodate customers. People in this position are expected to have experience in food preparation, strong teamwork, and customer-oriented approaches.

What does a dietary aide do?

A dietary aide is responsible for assisting food preparations and ensuring that the meals adhere to an individual's specific diet plans. Dietary aides must strictly follow sanitation standards and hygiene procedures to guarantee the safety and quality of the service. They also help in facilitating kitchen maintenance, keeping every area clean and organized. Dietary aides must also have comprehensive knowledge of nutritional guidelines to provide information and share suggestions as necessary to improve the service and preparations.

Dietary assistant vs dietary aide salary

Dietary assistants and dietary aides have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dietary AssistantDietary Aide
Average salary$28,234$28,005
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $35,000Between $22,000 And $35,000
Highest paying CityEverett, WAVancouver, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyLifespanLifespan
Best paying industryHospitalityHospitality

Differences between dietary assistant and dietary aide education

There are a few differences between a dietary assistant and a dietary aide in terms of educational background:

Dietary AssistantDietary Aide
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Dietary assistant vs dietary aide demographics

Here are the differences between dietary assistants' and dietary aides' demographics:

Dietary AssistantDietary Aide
Average age3741
Gender ratioMale, 29.4% Female, 70.6%Male, 28.2% Female, 71.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 7.4% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 14.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 5.8% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between dietary assistant and dietary aide duties and responsibilities

Dietary assistant example responsibilities.

  • Prepare trays for patients within the hospital's care, taking into consideration dietary requirements and allergies.
  • Enhance communication skills by providing assistance, companionship and compassion to patients.
  • Prepare and serve food to visitors and staff upholding HACCP standards.
  • Insure that patient s food allergies, and intolerance are taken care of and note.
  • Provide janitorial services to maintain high safety standards and cleanliness.
  • Develop and deliver exceptional meal services to all patients and visitors through cafeteria operations and individual deliveries.
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Dietary aide example responsibilities.

  • Use of slicers, grinders, deep fryers, ovens, grills and cash register.
  • Prepare cooked foods following HACCP guidelines.
  • Operate stoves, grills, fryers, ovens and microwaves.
  • Interview WIC applicants for income eligibility, nutrition foods, and health.
  • Train employees as hired to complete all assign tasks according to ServSafe guidelines.
  • Maintain a clean kitchen by cleaning the oven and stoves sweeping and mopping.
  • Show more

Dietary assistant vs dietary aide skills

Common dietary assistant skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • Food Service, 11%
  • Meal Trays, 9%
  • Food Handling, 8%
  • Food Preparation, 7%
  • Customer Service, 7%
Common dietary aide skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • Meal Trays, 13%
  • Food Service, 11%
  • Food Handling, 9%
  • Food Carts, 6%
  • Tray Line, 5%

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