Career Outlook
The career outlook for registered dietitians remains strong, with growing recognition of the vital role nutrition plays in overall health. Dietitians are increasingly sought after in healthcare, community programs, corporate wellness, and policy development. Expanding opportunities in areas like telehealth, personalized nutrition, and public health reflect the evolving and dynamic nature of the profession.
Workforce Trends and Career Growth in Dietetics
National Employment Outlook
As of 2025, the demand for Registered Dietitians in the United States is projected to grow steadily. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 7% increase in employment for dietitians and nutritionists from 2023 to 2033, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations.
The rising demand is attributed to a greater focus on disease prevention, an aging population, and heightened awareness of the role of nutrition in health and wellness. As chronic diseases become more prevalent, the need for qualified dietitians to provide medical nutrition therapy and guidance on healthy eating habits is anticipated to increase.
RDN Demand in Idaho
In Idaho, the demand for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) is also on the rise. The mean annual wage for RDNs in Idaho increased nearly 21% between May 2020 and May 2022. Furthermore, from May 2022 to May 2023, the mean salary in Idaho increased an additional 9%.
This upward trend in compensation reflects the growing recognition of the importance of nutrition in healthcare and the increasing need for qualified dietitians in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and community health programs.
Career Resources for RDNs
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Dietitians in the USPHS
The US Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. USPHS Commissioned Corps dietitian officers have diverse skill sets and serve in a variety of roles, including research, clinical nutrition, food service administration, public health nutrition, health policy, regulatory affairs, and managerial and supervisory roles.
Most dietitian officers are stationed within federal agencies such as Indian Health Service (IHS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center of Disease and Control (CDC), and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). USPHS Commissioned Corps officers enjoy leadership opportunities, excellent pay and benefits, and work/life balance, all while improving the health and safety of the Nation.
RDN Median Salary
As of May 2025, the median annual salary for Registered Dietitians in the United States is approximately $73,850 per year with an hourly average rate of $35.50, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, and work setting.
In Idaho, the average annual salary for Registered Dietitians is around $70,277 annually and $34.00 hourly, which is comparable to the national median. Entry-level positions in Idaho start at approximately $58,178, while experienced RDs can earn up to $108,238 annually. This information is as of May 2025 according to ZipRecruiter.com
It's important to note that salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, and work setting. For instance, RDs working in outpatient care centers or government agencies may earn higher wages compared to those in nursing and residential care facilities.
Nutrition and Dietetics: List of Professional Associations |
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American Public Health Association: APHA is an inter-professional association that champions the health of all people and all communities. The Food and Nutrition Section of APHA is a multidisciplinary group interested in local, national and global food and nutrition issues and in working to influence policies, programs, research and education related to public health nutrition. Offers discounted student membership. |
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Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The Academy is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. It has over 100,000 credentialed practitioners. Members include registered dietitian nutritionists, dietetic technicians, registered, and other dietetics professionals. The Academy offers discounted student membership. |
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American Society of Nutrition: ASN is an inter-professional association. It brings together the world’s top researchers, clinical nutritionists and industry. ASN members work to advance our knowledge and application of nutrition for the sake of humans and animals. Offers discounted student membership. |
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Association for Size Diversity and Health: ASDAH is a non-profit organization with an international membership committed to the practice of the Health At Every Size® (HAES®) Principles. Provide educational resources, vetted referral opportunities, and an extensive network of like-minded advocates and professionals.
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Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals: ANFP is a national association of 14,000 professionals dedicated to the practice of providing optimum nutrition care through foodservice management. Offers discounted student membership. Eating Disorder Professionals of Idaho: Empower the eating disorder professionals of Idaho to build connections with each other, to share expertise and resources, and to collaborate/coordinate care in efforts to offer individuals with eating disorders state-of-the-art treatment and the best chance of recovery. |
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Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: IAND promotes the value of the dietetic professional, innovation in dietetic practice and ongoing professional development in order to champion healthy lifestyles and nutrition-related public policy for the well-being of our members and the communities they serve. |
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Idaho Public Health Association: The IPHA is the oldest nonprofit organization representing public, private and consumer health interests in Idaho. Offers discounted student membership. |
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Public Health Student Association: The Public Health Student Association (PHSA) is an official ISU student organization since the early 2000s. The purposes of PHSA are to organize graduate students in public health and health education. PHSA also provides extra-curricular opportunities for networking, public service, and educational enhancement. |
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Pocatello Dietitians: A club that provides local RDN's opportunities for CEU's, networking and news updates. |
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School Nutrition Association: SNA is a national, nonprofit professional organization representing more than 58,000 members. Members provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. SNA has been advancing the availability, quality, and acceptance of school nutrition programs since 1946. |
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Southeast Idaho Dietitians: This local association aims to connect dietitians on the southeast side of the state and keep them connected with the state association, the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. |
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Treasure Valley Dietitians: A club that provides local RDN's opportunities for CEU's, networking and news updates. |
