How Much do Nutrition Nurses Make?
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Nutrition nurses see patients in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and schools. Depending on the setting, nutrition nurses join care teams or work independently, building positive relationships with their patients by providing nutritional recommendations.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2020-2030 shows a projected 9% job growth increase for registered nurses (RNs) and an 11% rise for dietitians and nutritionists.
Read on to learn about nutrition nurse salaries and ways to increase earnings.
Average Salary for Nutrition Nurses
According to Payscale data from May 2022, RNs earn an average $68,620 per year, or $31.24 hourly. Clinical dietitians make $53,590, which equates to $26.63 per hour. While Payscale does not list nutrition nurse salaries specifically, these two occupations offer a general idea of average annual wages.
The Highest-Paying States for Nutrition Nurses
BLS data does not include nutrition nurse salaries specifically, but wage information for all RNs reflects current trends. According to the BLS, the top-paying states for RNs include California, averaging $124,000 per year, Hawaii, with salaries of $106,530, and Oregon at $98,630. Cost-of-living indexes and supply-and-demand factor into geographical salary variation, and California ranks among the most expensive.
3 Ways to Increase Pay As a Nutrition Nurse
Nutrition nurses can increase their earnings by becoming certified, obtaining a bachelor’s degree, and considering different practice settings and locations.
- 1
Earn Certification in Nutrition
Certification by the American Association of Nutritional Consultants or the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification indicates expertise in the nutrition field and can lead to more job opportunities, career advancement, and higher pay.
- 2
Earn Your BSN
Nutrition nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can increase their salaries by more than $15,000 a year, according to May 2022 Payscale data. RNs with ADNs can accelerate their path to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) by enrolling in an RN-to-BSN bridge program.
- 3
Change Your Practice Setting
Clinical dietitians in larger cities like Los Angeles and New York earn 14-17% more than the national average, RNs in those locations bring in 34-39% more income.
Practice settings that pay RNs higher than average salaries include outpatient care centers ($93,000) and hospitals ($85,000).
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutrition Nurse Salaries
What skills are important for nutrition nurses?
According to May 2022 Payscale data, nutrition nurses and clinical dietitians need training in nutrition and nutrition support, clinical and patient education, and patient counseling. Skills in people management, eating disorders, and leadership can increase salaries by 8-17%.
Where do nutrition nurses work?
Nutrition nurses work in long-term geriatric care facilities overseeing residents’ dietary needs, outpatient wellness programs established by hospitals or insurance companies, and schools and communities providing health and nutrition coaching and education.
What is the salary range for nutrition nurses?
Average RN/clinical dietitian wages range from $44,000 to $95,000 per year, based on May 2022 Payscale data. As an RN specialty, nutrition nurse salaries can exceed $120,000 for the top 10% of earners.
What is the hourly salary for nutrition nurses?
Nutrition nurses make hourly wages ranging from $25 to more than $57, based on BLS and Payscale numbers compiled for RNs and clinical dietitians. The average RN hourly pay totals $31.04.
