14 Jobs that you can get with a Nutrition Degree
Jobs in the nutrition field can be quite diverse. Dietetics is one option, of course, but having an in-depth understanding of the science behind what we eat can also serve you well in many other sectors. With a nutrition degree, jobs in food safety, health care, corporate wellness, and education all become possibilities for you. Here are 14 good examples of jobs in nutrition:
1. Public health nutritionist
Public health nutritionists are big-picture people who strive to improve the nutritional habits and overall health of a specific community or population group; they don’t generally work with individual clients. They identify nutritional problems and develop institutional programs and strategies to address those issues. You may need to become an RDN to get into this career.
- Average salary: $65,697
2. Food product development scientist
Finding new ways to improve the safety, flavor, or nutritional value of different food products is the job of food product development scientists. They come up with processes and formulations to improve food quality while controlling costs. Many positions call for advanced degrees, but some are open to those with a bachelor’s degree.
- Median salary: $65,300
3. Nutritionist
Typical tasks of nutritionists include assessing a client’s dietary needs, consulting with a variety of health professionals, and creating a customized nutrition plan. In some cases, they also offer nutritional counseling. The process for learning how to be a nutritionist varies widely from Country to Country, so be sure to research the requirements in your area.
- Median salary: $60,370
4. Regulatory affairs specialist
Ensuring that the development and production of food items comply with all applicable laws is the task of regulatory affairs specialists. Their job is to make sure that the company they work for operates within the rules. It’s important to stay on top of food and dietary legislation and conduct regular reviews of processes. Most employers look for a degree in nutrition, food science, or a related field.
- Average salary: $60,294 (entry level)3
5. Nutritional therapist
Drawing on an understanding of both nutrition and human behavior, a nutritional therapist takes a holistic approach to wellness and assesses all aspects of a person’s lifestyle in order to develop a nutritional plan. For a nutritional therapist, salary and job duties can both vary widely, depending on how much experience the person has and what licenses or certifications he or she holds.
- Average salary: $59,684
6. Food labeling specialist
Food labeling specialists are responsible for coming up with the nutritional labels on food products. They make sure that product ingredients, nutritional facts, and allergen warnings are accurate and in line with industry regulations. They might also be in charge of getting the legal approval to use labels such as gluten-free or kosher. A bachelor’s degree in nutrition or food science is typically required.
- Average salary: $56,545
7. Food safety auditor
Reviewing and analyzing the safety and sanitation procedures at companies that process, manufacture, or serve food is the primary focus of food safety auditors. They conduct inspections, write reports, and sometimes educate workers on policies and procedures. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree; it also helps to have experience in food service or packaging.
- Median salary: $56,380
8. Corporate wellness consultant
A growing number of private businesses and corporations are hiring wellness consultants to provide guidance on healthy eating and exercise habits. These consultants might offer general tips on nutrition and health or lead seminars on how office workers can manage stress or avoid muscle fatigue. You’ll need strong customer service skills for this kind of work.
- Median salary: $55,599
9. Humanitarian nutritionist
Focusing on malnutrition and hunger in disaster zones or developing countries can be a rewarding way to put your nutritional knowledge to work. Humanitarian nutritionists evaluate the food supply systems in different areas and develop programs to fill any nutritional gaps. They might set up a mobile center to treat malnourished children or advise villagers on the best items to plant in a communal vegetable garden.
- Median salary: $51,352 for program managers of non-profit humanitarian organizations
10. Nutrition services manager
Schools, hospitals, care facilities, and other institutions rely on nutrition services managers to plan and coordinate the large-scale delivery of nutritionally appropriate meals. This role involves planning menus, procuring supplies, managing budgets, and overseeing food preparation. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or food services management.
- Median salary: $50,701
11. Clinical nutritionist
Like clinical dietitians, clinical nutritionists evaluate the dietary needs of patients in health care institutions and create eating plans tailored to each patient’s unique condition. The difference is that while dietitians have prescribed training and licensing requirements, the rules for nutritionists vary widely between states. Certification is available from professional organizations such as the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board.
- Median salary: $50,000
12. Nutrition writer
As a nutrition writer, you could channel your food and diet expertise into e-books, newspaper columns, magazine articles, or web content. Possible topics include anything from trends in healthy eating to the latest research on specific vitamins or nutrients. Most of this work is freelance. Formal training in nutrition will give you more credibility; courses in journalism or communication will also help.
- Median salary: $39,270 for freelance writers
13. Nutrition educator
Nutrition educators develop programs to promote healthy food choices and habits. They often work for government agencies that serve new mothers or low-income groups. They might offer information about basic nutrition along with tips on budgeting and food safety. They might also be responsible for screening candidates for food assistance services and helping applicants with paperwork.
- Median salary: $37,360
14. Nutrition assistant
In a hospital, nursing home, or other clinical care setting, nutrition assistants typically help prepare food, distribute meals, and ensure that patients get the proper nourishment. They talk to patients about food preferences, record how much each patient ate, and report any dietary issues to the supervising nutritionist or dietitian.
- Median salary: $23,825