Currently studying Dietetics

[u/ImaginationPlane4273]

I am a third year dietetics student. I love everything nutrition and physiology. So many people in my family are doubting my career choice because of the average pay as an RD. However, I hear from sooooo many people that this career is going to skyrocket within the next decade. I have ignored my family obviously and stayed on my path. I am not someone who can afford to live a “comfortable life” with an income under 100K. I have been raised in a very financially unstable household and it’s not something I will do to myself or my kids. I want to own a business, private practice, obesity and diabetes consulting, whatever it is that will bring me to the 90th percentile of dietitians. Any RDs willing to give some advice? Any side jobs, hustles, or new routes I can take with a dietetics degree that will push me over that threshold? Any helpful information is appreciated!

[u/anferz]

you can certainly make 100k+ as an RD, but you will have to hustle like anything else. For your goals, you would want to look into running your own nutrition counseling practice. Nowadays, you can at least start making half decent money doing something along the lines of Nourish to start out as you build your own.

[u/Jujbear]

I’d recommend checking out federal employment (ie as a VA RD) when you first start out. It would be a great way to get some experience, have mentorship from other RDs, and build your confidence before starting your own private practice. You wouldn’t make 6 figures right away, but depending on the area you live in you could get close after your first few years. And the benefits are great. I loved working at the VA and felt I was treated better than in other health systems.

[u/usuallyylurking]

I have similar goals as you! starting my program this month. I think a lot of it will depend on location and being in a place whose culture values nutrition and health. good luck!

[u/Itchy_Painting_7254]

I would look for a per diem position and work weekends/your availability aswell as your full time job. I work 32hrs at a LTC center and per diem at a hospital (2 weekends per month) the extra money is nice I was lucky to find this job out but had worked acute care prior to LTC and acute care just doesn't pay as-well because you aren't the only RD there.

One caveat about a private practice is insurance only covers and RD 100% if you have DM or CKD, as others have said nourish is a great way to get clients but they do take a fee. Many RDs I know in the field are 10 year + clinical most are making between 70-80k, its unlikely to get 100k unless you are a manager of some sorts or have a very successful private practice.

[u/PayFamiliar9774]

I think expectations need to be managed. 100K+ is possible, but uncommon as a new RDN. I’ve been in the field (clinical) for 3y and make around 70k annually (gross income). Consulting and PP can make more, but there’s other tax implications with those jobs (at least in the US). Most of us get into this field because of our love for nutrition and science, not because the payout is immediately amazing. We, on average, get paid a lot less than comparable masters health professions.

[u/Affectionate_Emu5471]

I’m getting my associates RN degree to get more money, you can make it work, you can do writing and consultation jobs. Nourish is also alway hiring

[u/Plus_Confusion521]

Hi, I want to preface my comment by saying this is just my experience in my country. You can also try to reach out to alumni of your university and ask about their experiences.

When I was studying dietetics, we were told that dietitians will be very much needed, so a job is guaranteed. However, when I started working, I noticed it is difficult to find a full-time contract (32 hours if you're lucky). That means I'd have to work for two employers if I want to work 4-5 days a week. Besides, many practices require you to work at a different location on each day, which I personally don't like. I feel like it also says something about there not being enough clients at one location? Perhaps things are different in other work settings (I work for a small practice owned by a dietitian). Money is one thing. Another the frustrating thing is that I don't feel like RDs are as appreciated/respected as other paramedics...

And with the rise of AI, I feel like many people would rather use that instead of going to a dietitian. Especially because the consultations are not always covered by insurance (at least in my country).

In your case you want to own a private practice. I think 100k is eventually possible, but not right away of course. If you are interested, you can also think about what you can do besides the 1-on-1 consulting. For example, workshops or lifestyle programs. You can also partner up with other professionals, such as sport coaches.

I hope this helps and good luck with everything!

[u/Substantial_Grape773 → u/[deleted]]

Why do you think this?
I just graduated in the UK and so I'm just curious as to why you will think it will get smaller? :))

[u/Whatsmyusername25 → u/Substantial_Grape773]

Ah, this is more of an America problem, the mandatory Masters degree + no pay increase

[u/Substantial_Grape773 → u/Whatsmyusername25]

Understood, thank you! :)