Dietitian salary varies greatly from one city to another, across the states in the country and it can also vary in the same city or district depending on the place where one works and how much experience one possesses.
Job Description
A dietitian is a healthcare professional who educates people, guides them and manages their dietary habits with a prescribed or recommended diet plan. A diet plan is also known as a diet chart. People may have different dietary requirements. Some have specific goals to accomplish, such as athletes, bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts and weight loss aspirants. Some people have medical conditions which compel them to be on a certain diet. Such instances will call for the expertise of a dietitian. A dietitian specializes in nutrition and to a great degree is very well accustomed with various kinds of foods, including recipes. A dietitian typically works in hospitals, schools, research centers, fitness centers and various kinds of healthcare institutions. Depending on the specific job profile, a dietitian may work in a clinical setting, might be a consultant and may work in management or community settings. A dietitian can work in pediatrics, be an associate to doctors to assist their patients to recover quickly or to avert and alleviate symptoms of certain medical conditions solely by the virtue of diets or nutrition and can also have a practice of their own.
Salary Of A Dietitian
According to a salary report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of a dietitian is about $52,150 per year. The average salary actually paid is however a little higher at $53,549. A dietitian working in public sector usually earns less which is also why most dietitians start their own practice. It is common for a dietitian to be promoted within an institution to become an associate, executive or even a director at appropriate practices. A dietitian who specializes in pediatric dietetics or renal dietetics will earn much more than the average of $53,549 a year. A dietitian is also entitled to commissions and bonuses apart from an hourly wage but such incomes are subject to the terms of employment.
Salary Based On Experience Of A Dietitian
Like in any profession, more experienced dietitians will earn more than those with little to no experience. A dietitian who has less than one year experience or is just starting out after formal training will earn about $33,330 in the first year. This number can go up to $75,000 as one is more experienced and depending on where one practices and how efficient one is. As one progresses through the year, the income may increase considerably, especially owing to bonuses and commissions. Dietitians may also be a part of multiple practices if one is self employed. Dietitians with five years of experience or more will earn about $44,000 to $58,000 or more. With 20 years of work experience, a dietitian may earn more than $74,000.
The experience is not just weighed in based on the number of years one has practiced but also where one has practiced. Dietitians also have a clientele and a documented history of their practice. Thus, all such factors come into play while determining the salary of a dietitian. Those with an impeccable history and a reputation that is beyond dispute can earn more than $80,000 at top practices in a city or by being self employed.
If a dietitian ventures out on his or her own, then the salary depends entirely on the revenue generated by the practice. Per hour wages, bonuses and scheme of commissions do not come into play in such cases.
Dietitian Salary Across Countries
Like in most professions, dietitian salary varies from one state to another and also across countries. In the UK, the salary of a dietitian is between 21,000 GBP to 40,000 GBP. Those with very little to no experience will earn less than 25,000 GBP while specialists with more than a decade or two experience will earn more than 41,000 GBP.
In Australia, the range of dietitian salary is from 35,842 AUD to 69,766 AUD. Taking into account bonuses and commissions, the salary can increase by a considerable 10% to 20% across the range. Canada pays about 43,000 CAD to more than 70,000 CAD. The hourly wage is usually between 24 CAD to 40 CAD.
Across the states in the US and across countries, the actual hourly wage, the yearly salary, bonuses and commissions will depend on where one practices and on the terms of employment. Some dietitians may not be entitled to commissions, especially those who have little to no experience. As a dietitian builds a clientele and develops a reputation of his or her own, the commissions will be integral to the salary. Apart from the experience, the place and type of employment; the quality of training, education and expertise of a dietitian will determine the eventual salary.
