How Much Does a Registered Clinical Dietitian Make? (2025)
A registered clinical dietitian plays a crucial role in healthcare, helping patients improve their well-being through evidence-based nutrition therapy. These professionals work in hospitals, private practices, community clinics, and research centers, turning complex nutritional science into practical dietary strategies for disease prevention and treatment.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that dietitians and nutritionists earned a median annual wage of $73,850, or approximately $35.50 per hour, in May 2024. The demand for dietetic and nutrition services is also expected to grow by 6% between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Continue reading for detailed insights on registered clinical dietitian salaries, the top-paying states and cities, and the key factors that influence salaries across the profession.
What is the Average Registered Clinical Dietitian's Salary?
As of October 1, 2025, the average registered clinical dietitian salary in the United States is $64,800 per year or $31 per hour. The average annual wage for these professionals is between $55,267 and $77,027, with the majority earning between $59,810 and $71,200.
2025 Registered Clinical Dietitian Salary: $64,800 ($31 per hour)
The table below illustrates that a registered clinical dietitian earns an average monthly salary of $5,400 or $1,246 per week. As of October 1, 2025, this amount reflects an average hourly wage of $31.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $27 | $1,063 | $4,606 | $55,267 |
| 25th Percentile | $29 | $1,150 | $4,984 | $59,810 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $31 | $1,246 | $5,400 | $64,800 |
| 75th Percentile | $34 | $1,369 | $5,933 | $71,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $37 | $1,481 | $6,419 | $77,027 |
Aside from base salary, many registered clinical dietitians may receive additional cash compensation, like bonuses up to $7,820.
Registered Clinical Dietitian Salary State by State
The salary for registered clinical dietitians varies across U.S. states due to variations in factors such as local minimum wages, workforce demand, economic productivity, and overall living costs.
Based on the data summarized below, Mississippi ($57,790), West Virginia ($58,350), and Arkansas ($58,540) report the lowest average annual salaries for this position.
Conversely, registered clinical dietitians in Massachusetts ($70,520), California ($71,470), and the District of Columbia ($71,740) earn the highest average yearly salaries.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $70,140 |
| Alabama | $59,530 |
| Arkansas | $58,540 |
| Arizona | $63,140 |
| California | $71,470 |
| Colorado | $66,110 |
| Connecticut | $69,250 |
| District of Columbia | $71,740 |
| Delaware | $65,620 |
| Florida | $61,310 |
| Georgia | $62,500 |
| Hawaii | $67,730 |
| Iowa | $62,010 |
| Idaho | $60,490 |
| Illinois | $66,050 |
| Indiana | $62,200 |
| Kansas | $61,700 |
| Kentucky | $60,980 |
| Louisiana | $61,610 |
| Massachusetts | $70,520 |
| Maryland | $66,810 |
| Maine | $63,180 |
| Michigan | $63,810 |
| Minnesota | $66,310 |
| Missouri | $61,570 |
| Mississippi | $57,790 |
| Montana | $61,180 |
| North Carolina | $61,580 |
| North Dakota | $64,010 |
| Nebraska | $61,050 |
| New Hampshire | $65,510 |
| New Jersey | $70,240 |
| New Mexico | $60,020 |
| Nevada | $64,130 |
| New York | $68,890 |
| Ohio | $63,090 |
| Oklahoma | $59,910 |
| Oregon | $65,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,510 |
| Rhode Island | $67,180 |
| South Carolina | $60,720 |
| South Dakota | $58,890 |
| Tennessee | $60,550 |
| Texas | $63,210 |
| Utah | $62,050 |
| Virginia | $65,250 |
| Vermont | $63,600 |
| Washington | $70,260 |
| Wisconsin | $63,740 |
| West Virginia | $58,350 |
| Wyoming | $62,140 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Registered Clinical Dietitian?
Salaries for registered clinical dietitians also vary by city because of differences in cost of living, local demand for dietetic professionals, and industry compensation standards.
According to the figures presented below, California cities such as San Jose ($81,730), San Francisco ($80,930), and Oakland ($79,130) provide notably higher average annual earnings for individuals in this occupation.
Likewise, metropolitan areas like New York ($75,090), Queens Village ($74,610), and Paramus ($74,090) also rank among the highest paying cities in terms of pay for registered clinical dietitians.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $81,730 |
| San Francisco, CA | $80,930 |
| Oakland, CA | $79,130 |
| New York, NY | $75,090 |
| Queens Village, NY | $74,610 |
| Paramus, NJ | $74,090 |
How Does Experience Affect a Registered Clinical Dietitian's Salary?
Experience has a big impact on how much registered clinical dietitians earn. As professionals gain skills and take on more complex responsibilities, their pay tends to rise accordingly.
According to Salary.com, entry-level registered clinical dietitians with less than one year of experience earn an average of $63,913 annually. Within the first couple of years, salaries increase to $64,989, reflecting the growing value of practical experience.
Furthermore, registered clinical dietitians with 2-4 years of experience earn an average of $67,630 per year. Senior-level clinical dietitians (5-8 years of experience) make $67,913 annually, while experts with more than 8 years of experience can earn up to $68,101.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Registered Clinical Dietitian | $63,913 |
| Intermediate Level Registered Clinical Dietitian | $64,989 |
| Senior Level Registered Clinical Dietitian | $67,630 |
| Specialist Level Registered Clinical Dietitian | $67,913 |
| Expert Level Registered Clinical Dietitian | $68,101 |
How to Increase Salary as a Registered Clinical Dietitian?
To become a registered clinical dietitian, most employers require completing a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field, along with supervised practice and passing the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) examination.
Below are common qualifications and career advancements that can help licensed clinical dietitians increase their earning potential:
Registered Clinical Dietitian Advancements
- Level of education: Earning advanced degrees like a master's degree in nutrition or dietetics or obtaining additional certifications like Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) or Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) can strengthen overall qualifications and provide better career opportunities that lead to higher pay.
- Work experience: Gaining experience in clinical work increases professional value. Taking on leadership roles, such as mentoring others or managing teams, can also lead to promotions or higher pay.
- Skill development: Building skills in nutrition counseling, medical nutrition therapy, data analysis, and patient education improves both proficiency and career opportunities in healthcare.
- Change of employer: Moving to areas or organizations with high demand for dietitians, or taking on roles with more responsibility, can lead to higher pay.
- Additional income streams: Earning extra income through side work, such as private coaching, consulting, or creating online content, provides financial stability and broadens professional experience.
Registered Clinical Dietitian Skills
Developing high-demand skills allows registered clinical dietitians to strengthen their career growth and earning potential.
According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, the most in-demand skills for this profession include food safety procedures (10.90%) and patient education (10.70%).
Moreover, advancing expertise in menu planning and food safety procedures can drive salary increases of about 7.70% and 7.48%, respectively.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Food Safety Procedures | 10.90% | 7.48% |
| Patient Education | 10.70% | 7.44% |
| Menu Planning | 10.50% | 7.70% |
| Community Outreach | 10.10% | 7.00% |
| Patient Care | 10.10% | 5.96% |
| Oncology | 10.00% | 6.97% |
| Orthopedics | 10.00% | 7.28% |
| Discharge Planning | 10.00% | 6.73% |
What are the FAQs About Registered Clinical Dietitian Salaries?
Here are frequently asked questions about the registered clinical dietitian's salary:
What is the median annual salary for a clinical dietitian specializing in oncology nutrition?
The median annual salary for a clinical dietitian specializing in oncology nutrition is around $64,816 in the United States as of October 1, 2025, with some variation depending on experience and location. The salary range generally falls between $54,387 and $76,091 annually for most clinical oncology dietitians.
Is a clinical dietitian a doctor?
A clinical dietitian is not a doctor. They are healthcare professionals specialized in nutrition and dietetics who provide medical nutrition therapy based on extensive education, training, and certification. Unlike medical doctors who diagnose and treat illness, clinical dietitians focus on nutrition-related care and often work alongside doctors to support patient health.
Are clinical dietitians in demand?
Yes, clinical dietitians are in demand, with 6,200 openings for dietitians and nutritionists projected each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The demand is driven by factors such as an aging population, an increased focus on preventive care, and the expansion of specialized fields like oncology nutrition.
