Dietitians and Nutritionists
SOC 29-1031
Dietitians and Nutritionists plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. They may supervise activities of a department that provide quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Wages and Benefits
| Hourly Wages | Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New Hires, No Experience | $14.50 - $26.00 | $22.59 |
| New Hires, with Experience | $19.25 - $40.00 | $24.70 |
| After Three Years with the Firm | $21.00 - $60.00 | $27.13 |
Average Weekly Hours:
Many (49%) Dietitians and Nutritionists work full time, 40 hours per week.
Shifts:
Most Dietitians and Nutritionists work a regular day shift. However, in hospitals, Dietitians and Nutritionists can expect to work some weekends and those employed in commercial food service often have inconsistent working hours.
Percent of Employers Offering Fringe Benefits:
| Full-Time Employees | ||
| Benefit Offered | % of Employers | |
| Medical Insurance: | Yes* | 76% |
| Dental Insurance: | Yes | 71% |
| Vision Insurance: | Yes | 71% |
| Life Insurance: | Yes | 71% |
| Disability: | Yes | 71% |
| Paid Sick Leave: | Yes | 59% |
| Paid Vacation: | Yes | 59% |
| Retirement Plan: | Yes | 76% |
| Child Care: | Yes | 6% |
*25% of employers cover 100% of medical insurance premiums;
25% of employers cover 50-99% of medical insurance premiums,
33% of employers cover 1-49% of medical insurance premiums: and
17% of employers cover 1-49% of medical insurance premiums.
Other Employer Specified:
Personal Time Off..
EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS
Education:
Many firms require a bachelor's degree (59%) or a graduate degree (41%). Although not required, the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) awards the Registered Dietitian credential to those who pass an exam after completing their academic coursework and supervised experience.
Training:
Almost all (94%) firms require technical or vocational training through an internship. Employers prefer applicants with word processing, spreadsheet, and Internet skills.
Experience:
Many firms (47%) prefer applicants with 2 years prior experience as a Dietitian or Nutritionist.
Skills rated "Very Important":
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to counsel individuals and groups
Ability to teach others
Ability to work independently
Possession of good customer service skills
Possession of good oral communication skills
Ability to write legibly
Knowledge of nutritional principles, dietary plans and diet modifications, and food selection and preparation methods
Ability to monitor food service operations
Possession of good advance mathematic skills
Possession of good computer skills
Ability to handle crisis situations
Possession of time management skills
Ability to read and follow directions
EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
Supply and Demand:
Job market for Dietitians and Nutritionists:
Employers report it "Moderately Difficult" finding qualified, Experienced applicants, resulting in some competition for job seekers in their job search; and "Not Difficult" finding qualified, Inexperienced applicants, resulting in a very competitive job search for job seekers.
Recruitment Methods, Most Frequently Used:
Internet, Word of Mouth, Newspapers, and Trade Journals.
Turnover:
Moderate: 16% in the past 12 months.
Size of 2007 Local Employment:
Small - less than 2,027.
Gender Representation:
Local employer response indicates 98% female, 2% male.
Older Worker Retirement:
Some (29%) firms report that older worker retirements over the next 10 years will affect their workforce.
To address the effects of older worker retirements, employers of this occupation would: Do nothing, 71%; groom or train a replacement ahead of time, 18%; replace with any qualified applicant,- 6%; Initiate job sharing among older workers, 7%.
Few (10%) firms report that older workers would face employment obstacles in this occupation: knowledge of current computer software and maintain good computer skills.
Where the Jobs Are:
Hospitals
Nursing Care Facilities
Outpatient Care Centers
Residential Mental Health Facilities
Special Food Services
Employers' Employment Outlook:
17 employers responded, providing data representing 94 employees for this occupation.
5 employers project employment to grow, and 12 expect it to remain stable over the next twelve months.
Annual Job Growth Projections for San Diego County 2004 to 2014:
| Average annual new jobs: | 12 |
| Average annual replacement jobs: | 14 |
| Average annual total openings: | 26 |
New Job Growth Rate 2004 to 2014:
21.8%, projected growth is faster than the countywide average of 14.7%.
OTHER INFORMATION
Career Ladder/Promotional Opportunities:
Promote from: Dietetic Technician (with requisite education).
Promote to: Assistant Director of Patient Services, Chief Clinical Dietitian, and Manager.
Ex-Offender Employment:
No responding employers would consider hiring an ex-offender.
Alternate Job Titles:
Clinical Dietitian, Registered Dietitian.
Related Codes:
MOC 0876, 43D1, 43D3, 43D4, and 65C.
Data Collection Date:
Fall 2005