How To Become A Nutrition Services Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a nutrition services manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A nutrition services manager supervises the nutrition and menu development for patients recovering from illness or dealing with chronic medical conditions. These individuals work with nutritionists to oversee food planning for healthcare organizations, including hospitals, senior care facilities, and assisted living homes. They also manage food service staff, ensure that clinical food services comply with safety, sanitation, and nutrition standards.

A nutrition services manager typically has a certificate or a bachelor's degree in health administration, nutrition, or nutritional science and should have a broad knowledge of nutrition, diet, and health. These individuals should also possess excellent leadership, interpersonal and organizational skills.

Depending on employment, a nutrition services manager can make up to $58,000 per year, and the career field is expected to grow 11% by 2028.

ScoreNutrition Services ManagerUS Average

Salary

3.4

Avg. Salary $43,923

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.1

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

7.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.73%

Asian 7.45%

Black or African American 9.63%

Hispanic or Latino 18.21%

Unknown 5.56%

White 58.41%

Gender

female 74.00%

male 26.00%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

9.1

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a nutrition services manager

Explore nutrition services manager education requirements

Most common nutrition services manager degrees

Bachelor's

38.8 %

Associate

20.8 %

High School Diploma

19.6 %

Start to develop specific nutrition services manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	17.97%
Customer Service	10.34%
Nutrition Services	8.13%
Food Preparation	6.47%
Kitchen Equipment	5.41%

Complete relevant nutrition services manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New nutrition services managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a nutrition services manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real nutrition services manager resumes.

Gain additional nutrition services manager certifications

Nutrition services manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific nutrition services manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for nutrition services managers include ServSafe Alcohol and Certified Dietary Manager (CDM).

More About Certifications

Research nutrition services manager duties and responsibilities

Manage food allergies and special diets by providing nutritious alternatives and creating student-specific menus.
Inventory, QA information and meetings.
Advise clients on FDA regulations and labeling compliance.
Design and teach culinary arts and nutrition curriculum for all ages.

Prepare your nutrition services manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your nutrition services manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a nutrition services manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable nutrition services manager resume templates

Build a professional nutrition services manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your nutrition services manager resume.