Newswise — CHICAGO – Median salaries for registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered have increased significantly more than inflation during the past two years, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ 2015 Compensation and Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession.
According to the survey, RDNs’ median wage in 2015 was $30.62 per hour, representing a gain of 6.1 percent over the Academy’s 2013 survey. NDTRs’ median hourly wage in 2015 was $20.19, an increase of 5 percent over 2013. The two-year inflation rate over that time, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, was 1.7 percent.
On an annualized basis, the survey shows RDNs’ median full-time salary in 2015 equated to $63,700 per year. For NDTRs, the annualized 2015 salary was $42,000.
“Our profession continues to make economic gains that, in turn, make a career in nutrition and dietetics a desirable destination,” said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy President Dr. Evelyn F. Crayton.
“As in previous years, the survey’s results show an association between Academy membership and RDNs’ and NDTRs’ compensation,” Crayton says. RDNs and NDTRs who are members of the Academy earn more than non-Academy members: $1.44 per hour more for RDNs, equating to $2,995 per year; and $1.91 per hour more for NDTRs, equating to $3,973 annually.
Higher levels of compensation are associated with years of experience, supervisory responsibility, budget responsibility and practice area. “Clinical and community positions tend to pay less, whereas business, management, education, and research positions pay more,” according to the survey.
The survey shows the highest-paid positions filled by substantial numbers of RDNs include executive-level professional; director of clinical nutrition; sales representative; research dietitian; director of food and nutrition services; school foodservice director; clinical nutrition manager; consultant (community or corporate programs); corporate dietitian and assistant foodservice director.
“It is gratifying to see employers continue to recognize the vital contributions that registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered bring to a wide range of positions in health care, education, government and private industry,” Crayton said.
“The Academy is committed to doing all we can to support our members in raising the perceived value of nutrition services and increasing compensation opportunities, while respecting legal and ethical restraints that govern businesses and professions.”
The 2015 Compensation and Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession is available to media by contacting the Academy at [email protected] or 312/899-4769.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.
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