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October 9, 2024

How Much Do Dietetic Technicians Make?

Dietetic technicians earn $38,440 annually, varying by state.
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How Much Do Dietetic Technicians Make?

Dietetic technicians in the United States earn an average annual salary of $38,440, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With over 24,000 professionals employed in this role nationwide, dietetic technology continues to be an important part of the health care industry.

These nutrition experts play a vital role in promoting health and wellness through proper diet and nutrition. Dietetic technicians work alongside registered dietitians to create meal plans, educate patients about healthy eating habits, and assist in managing food service operations in various settings. In this article, we'll dive deeper into the world of dietetic technology, exploring how salaries and job opportunities differ across regions. We'll also compare this profession to similar roles in the health care field, providing valuable insights for those considering a career in nutrition or looking to advance their current position in dietetics.  

Highest Paying States for Dietetic Technicians

Dietetic technicians in the United States can find varying salary opportunities depending on the state they work in. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following states offer the highest average annual salaries for this occupation:

  • Oregon leads the list with an average annual salary of $51,090 and an hourly mean wage of $24.56, despite employing a relatively small number of dietetic technicians at 80.
  • Washington closely follows with an annual mean salary of $51,050 and an hourly wage of $24.54, employing 140 professionals in this field.
  • Colorado offers an average annual salary of $48,040 and an hourly mean of $23.10, with 180 dietetic technicians employed.

Other states with competitive salaries include:

  • New York, with an average annual salary of $47,710 and a significant employment figure of 1,310 dietetic technicians.
  • Minnesota, offering $46,770 annually with 130 employed in the field.
  • California, providing an average salary of $44,900 and employing the largest number of dietetic technicians at 5,100.



These states not only offer higher wages but also present varying employment opportunities, indicating a robust demand for dietetic technicians in these regions.  

StateEmploymentHourly SalaryAnnual Salary
Oregon80$24.56$51,090
Washington140$24.54$51,050
Colorado180$23.10$48,040
New York1,310$22.94$47,710
Minnesota130$22.49$46,770
California5,100$21.59$44,900
Georgia220$21.14$43,960
Alaska50$21.06$43,800
Maine40$20.93$43,530
Hawaii110$20.40$42,430
Massachusetts680$20.19$42,000
Alabama50$19.73$41,040
Vermont60$19.69$40,960
Delaware120$19.62$40,800
Rhode Island60$19.61$40,800
Illinois530$19.24$40,030
New Hampshire60$18.81$39,130
Ohio1,040$18.76$39,020
Arizona500$18.74$38,990
Connecticut300$18.43$38,340
New Jersey680$18.20$37,860
Virginia440$18.19$37,840
Utah450$18.10$37,650
Kansas40$17.74$36,900
Maryland540$17.72$36,860
Nebraska100$17.59$36,590
Wisconsin440$17.39$36,180
Arkansas90$17.29$35,950
Florida1,230$17.18$35,740
Indiana590$16.98$35,320
Pennsylvania1,570$16.92$35,200
Nevada330$16.82$34,980
Tennessee310$16.81$34,960
Michigan2,070$16.57$34,470
Oklahoma120$16.21$33,710
New Mexico100$16.19$33,670
Louisiana130$16.04$33,370
Iowa290$15.89$33,060
West Virginia260$15.77$32,790
Missouri200$15.58$32,400
Idaho260$15.45$32,130
Kentucky250$15.45$32,130
Texas1,640$14.76$30,700
South Carolina350$14.74$30,650
Mississippi90$14.58$30,330
North Carolina850$13.46$27,990

Comparing Salaries of Health Care Technicians

When examining the salaries of various health care technicians, there are notable differences. Psychiatric technicians earn an average annual salary of $43,650, which translates to an hourly wage of about $20.99. In comparison, dietetic technicians have a lower average annual salary of $38,440, or roughly $18.48 per hour. Pharmacy technicians earn slightly less than psychiatric technicians, with an average annual salary of $43,330 and an hourly wage of $20.83.

In terms of employment numbers, pharmacy technicians are the most common, with 460,280 people employed in this role. Psychiatric technicians have a significantly smaller workforce, with 115,940 employed, while dietetic technicians have the least, with only 24,240 employed. This data highlights variations not only in earnings but also in the number of people working in each of these health care technician roles.  

OccupationEmploymentHourly SalaryAnnual Salary
Psychiatric Technicians115,940$20.99$43,650
Dietetic Technicians24,240$18.48$38,440
Pharmacy Technicians460,280$20.83$43,330

Bottom Line

Dietetic technicians are essential contributors to the health care industry, with a focus on promoting health and wellness through nutritional guidance and meal planning. As of BLS recent data, these professionals earn an average annual salary of $38,440, which is slightly lower than other health care technician roles like psychiatric and pharmacy technicians. However, the demand for dietetic technicians is evident, with over 24,000 employed across the nation.

For those considering a career as a dietetic technician, here are some key takeaways:

  • Salary Variations by State: States like Oregon, Washington, and Colorado offer some of the highest salaries, with Oregon leading at $51,090 annually. These states present not only better pay but also diverse employment opportunities.
  • Employment Numbers: While dietetic technicians have fewer job opportunities compared to pharmacy technicians, their role remains vital in health care settings, particularly in supporting registered dietitians and managing food service operations.
  • Career Considerations: Understanding regional salary differences and employment potential can help in making informed decisions about pursuing or advancing a career in dietetic technology.


  • Ultimately, dietetic technicians play a crucial role in health care, and their contributions are instrumental in fostering healthier communities through nutrition education and support.  

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