Dietetic Technicians
O*NET 29-2051.00 · SOC 29-2051
Dietetic Technician is a solid career choice. Median pay is $38k a year with +2.7% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 4,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Screen patients to identify nutritional needs and diet risks.
- →Develop meal plans based on patients' dietary requirements.
- →Educate patients about healthy eating and special diets.
- →Monitor patients' food intake and document nutritional progress.
- →Assist registered dietitians in implementing clinical nutrition programs.
Education & How to Get In
Most Dietetic Technician positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Dietetic Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Dietetic Technician?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Dietetic Technician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Dietetic Technicians is projected to grow 2.7% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Dietetic Technician make?
The median Dietetic Technician earns $38k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Dietetic Technician jobs?
Our model puts Dietetic Technician at 21 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Dietetic Technician a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 4,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Dietetic Technician?
Most Dietetic Technician roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Dietetic Technician?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Dietetic Technician career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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