Career Definition for a Diet Counselor
A diet counselor is part of a team of professionals, including nutritionists and dietetic technicians, dedicated to providing accurate and individualized diet and nutrition counseling. Diet and nutrition counseling can be helpful for geriatric patients, patients who have diabetes, hypertension or other medical conditions, and for obese patients. The diet counselor often works for a hospital, home health organization, or clinic with the responsibility for improving the nutritional habits of clients and patients. Diet and nutrition counseling may also be helpful for prenatal and infant care.
| Required Education | A bachelor's degree in nutrition, nutrition education and/or counseling |
| Job Duties | Providing accurate and individualized diet and nutrition counseling to patients at a hospital, clinic or other health facility |
| Median Salary (2021) | $61,650 for dietitians and nutritionists |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 7% growth for dietitians and nutritionists |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
A diet counselor is sometimes regarded as having a more holistic viewpoint of health than a dietitian. The typical education required for a career in diet and nutrition counseling is a bachelor's degree in nutrition and/or counseling. A diet counselor may also enter the field by obtaining a degree in nutrition education.
Skills Required
Good people skills may be the most important factor for a successful career in diet and nutrition counseling. Because many diet counselors work directly with individuals and groups to convey information, skills in public speaking and presenting information in an interesting and accurate format is important.
Career and Economic Outlook
The median annual salary for licensed dietitians and nutritionists involved in diet and nutrition counseling in 2021 was $61,650, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov). The dietitian who has not completed the requirements to become registered will typically earn less. Job growth for dieticians and nutritionists is projected to be 7% from 2021-2031, much better than the average expected for all occupations, according to the BLS.
Alternate Career Option
Looking for a similar option? Here is an example:
Health Educator
Health educators use their bachelor's degree in health education to promote good health and wellness practices through programs and direct outreach. They may prepare informative materials, host meetings or events, observe program participation and evaluate program successes, and advocate for related public policies and services to communities or populations in need. Some jobs do require a master's degree in a related field. Earning the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) designation is also required for some jobs. Jobs for health educators are expected to increase 12% from 2021-2031, according to the BLS. The median salary for health educators was $60,600 in 2021, per the BLS.
