A nutrition degree can put you on the path toward public health or clinical nutritionist roles to help others achieve better health and understand the role food plays in their lives. Learn what you can do with a nutrition degree and whether pursuing a master's degree is worth it.
Types of jobs in nutrition
A master's in nutrition program can help prepare you to work in community-based or clinical settings, helping others learn more about nutrition and its effects on health and wellness. For example, clinical nutritionist and wellness coordinator are two potential careers for professionals with a master's degree in nutrition.
Some employers may prefer a relevant certification, such as Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) or Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN).
While a master's degree is not required for some nutrition-focused jobs, it can make you more competitive in your job search or open the doors to better pay. Consider the careers below, some of which favor years of experience or an advanced degree.
What can you do with a degree in nutrition?
Here are some potential careers that are viable for graduates of a master's in nutrition program, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and O*NET:
Clinical nutritionist
Clinical nutritionists customize nutritional diet plans for patients based on their healthcare needs and goals. They coordinate care with a patient's care team, such as their primary care physician and endocrinologist.
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$69,680
- Job outlook (2023–2033): +7%
Community health outreach worker
Community dieticians develop nutrition-focused programs for the public, often as part of a broader community-based health program, like a public healthcare clinic. Earning a credential, like an RDN, may extend job opportunities.
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$48,200
- Job outlook (2023–2033): +13%
Dietetic technician
Dietetic technicians work underneath a dietician, assisting with creating nutritional programs and guiding patients on their proper use. Their responsibilities may include: monitoring patient progress, meal planning, preparing meals, and conducting nutritional assessments.
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$36,520
- Job outlook (2023–2033): +3–5%
Health education specialist
Health education specialists can work in public health departments, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare facilities to educate groups of people on health and wellness. They can specialize in diet and nutrition.
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$62,860
- Job outlook (2023–2033): +7%
Wellness coordinator
Wellness coordinators plan and implement wellness programs for organizations, healthcare facilities, or community programs. They also supervise health and fitness professionals, such as athletic trainers or nutritionists.
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$57,570
- Job outlook (2023–2033): +6–8%
Is a master's degree in nutrition worth it?
Some nutrition-focused careers, including dietetic technicians and wellness coordinators, don't require a master's degree in nutrition. However, employers of some professionals, like health education specialists and clinical nutritionists, sometimes prefer candidates with master's degrees.
A nutrition master's degree is often a one- to two-year commitment. Before pursuing it, make sure your degree can help you reach your career goals. For example, to become an RDN, you must have an accredited master's degree, but this credential isn't required for all nutrition roles.
Take the next step in your career
Are you ready to further your career? Browse edX master's degrees in nutrition or sign up for a course to build job-ready skills.
Frequently asked questions about nutrition careers
What degree is best for a nutritionist?
A bachelor of science in nutrition is often the gold standard for nutritionists. However, if you want to work toward CNS or RDN credentials, which some employers require, you'll need a master's degree in nutrition or a related field.
Who are the largest employers for nutritionists?
According to data from the BLS, dieticians and nutritionists are most commonly employed by hospitals, outpatient care centers, health practitioner offices, food services, and nursing care facilities. As of May 2023, hospitals employed 19,580 dieticians and nutritionists across the country.
Is a nutrition degree useful?
A master's degree in nutrition can benefit you if you want to pursue a certification, like RDN or CNS, both of which require a master's degree. However, many nutrition-focused jobs that don't require certification typically accept candidates with bachelor's degrees.
What is the highest-paying job in nutrition?
A clinical nutritionist has among the highest salaries in the nutrition industry, earning a median annual salary of $69,680, per BLS data from May 2023. Health education specialists are close behind with a median annual salary of $62,860 during the same period, per the BLS.
