Eating It Up

• In a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2009 study, the average salary for nutritionists that year was $52,150, though the range of salaries varied widely. The top-paid nutritionists in the country earned $74,690, while those at the bottom 10th percentile of the range earned $33,230.
  
  

Nourishing Locations

• Location affects the salary range for nutritionists. The state of Maryland led the nation with salaries of $64,600. Nevada placed second, paying $63,860, but California's salary of $63,610 was very close behind. Hawaii also paid an above-average nutritionist salary of $62,750, with Connecticut in fifth place at $61,750.
  
  

Ideal Industries

• The top-paying industry for the profession was consulting services, paying $75,100 for nutritionists. The federal executive branch of the government also paid considerably higher salaries, at $68,390. Both home health care services and personal care stores offered higher pay, at $62,050 and $60,890 respectively. Medical and diagnostic laboratories' salaries of $60,150 were also above the norm.
  
  

Scaling the (Food) Pyramid

• Prospective nutritionists gain their knowledge of proper foods, vitamins, protein, minerals and the ever-changing food pyramid by pursuing post-secondary studies in the field. The American Dietetic Association's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education accredits hundreds of nutrition bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs across the country. Along with classroom instruction, all students must participate in 900 to 1,200 hours of supervised clinical practice. Almost every state in the country requires nutritionists to obtain licenses, certification or registration before practicing.