These are difficult times. With the recession affecting nearly every industry in the world, it’s safe to consider that jobs are scarce and salaries are not going to be hiked any time soon. But one industry that has not been affected is the healthcare industry and the food industry. If you are a dietitian or have just passed out of an accredited food course, then you can expect a good job with an average dietitian salary in the beginning. But there are many factors which influence a basic dietitian salary and they include the following-
Accreditation
If you have passed out from an approved and accredited dietitian course, you are more likely to be hired faster. Before enrolling for any dietitian course, ensure that you check with the American Dietetic Association and the Commission on Dietetic Registration to ensure that the course is registered and approved. Trainee dietitians who have completed an approved course are more likely to be paid a dietitian salary of about $31,460 per year.
Experience
When you get more experience; you are likely to get paid more. For example, hospitals, clinics and nursing homes will hire trainee dieticians and then teach them on the job. As they learn, they progress further in their careers and they do get pay hikes and better dietitian salary options. However, with a bachelor’s degree, the career options are limited.
Education
It does help if you continue your education as you are working. Higher level promotions into food and management sectors like food preservation, canning, beverage and food management is possible only if the person has a masters or a doctorate degree. An average student who has a masters degree can expect a beginners dietitian salary anywhere from $41,060 and $61,790. Doctoral candidates can easily expect a doubled dietitian salary and options for management positions in food and beverage manufacturing units or research units.
Industry
The exact industry that you are working in will also influence your dietitian salary. For example, dietitians are regularly hired by hospitals and nursing homes to provide balanced meals for the sick. However, in recent years, there has been an increased focus on better nutrition to prevent disease. Dietitians are now hired by multinationals, company offices, canteens and outpatient units to evaluate their food services for their workers to ensure a better overall lifestyle. As a result, there is a substantial price difference in dietitian salary in hospitals and in multinationals or manufacturing units. For example, a dietician can expect as much as
o An average of $60,008 if they work in consultation and industry;
o An average of $64,002 if they opt for the food and nutrition industry;
o A typical salary of $66,061 if they opt for teaching;
o And an average salary of $52,000-$53,997 if they opt for clinical nutrition supervision in hospitals.
Please note that this is just a basic guide to dietitian salary average rates. We recommend that you check with your local state to find out how much a beginner or an expert dietician can expect. Check with the American Dietetic Association and the Commission on Dietetic Registration to find out more.
