/ How to Become a Nutritionist - Career Salaries, Job Stats & Education

Thinking of a career in Nutrition?

A Nutritionist will usually have completed a certificate (or higher) qualification in any number of fields, including nutrition, food science and dietetics. The main role of a nutritionist is to help people achieve optimal health by providing information and advice about health and food choices.

Nutritionist Job Outlook

The graph shows historical and projected (to 2023) employment levels (thousands) for this occupation.

Source: *Job Outlook Government website. ABS Labour Force Survey, DEEWR trend data and DEEWR projections to 2023. Estimates have been rounded.

Over the years to 2023, the number of job openings for Dietitians is expected to be around 5000 over 5 years.  Job openings can arise from employment growth and people leaving the occupation.

Employment for Dietitians is expected to grow very strongly. Employment in this very small occupation (6100 in 2016) rose strongly in the past five years and rose very strongly in the long-term (ten years), although with very small occupations employment estimates can fluctuate.

Nutritionist Salaries

Source: *Job Outlook Government website. Estimates have been rounded and consequently some discrepancies may occur between sums of the component items and totals.

Note: These figures are indicative and cannot be used to determine a particular wage rate.

The average wage for a Nutritionist/Dietitian is around $57,668

Source: *Job Outlook Government website. ABS Labour Force Survey

Nutritionist Weekly Work Hours

The average weekly hours is 34.1 hours worked for this occupation, compared with all occupations average of 40 hours. 

Hours worked are identified just below average for people employed in this field.

Source: *Job Outlook Government website. ABS Labour Force Survey. 

Nutritionist Age Profile

The Nutrition industry has a strong appeal amongst people in the 25-44 age bracket. This makes it a fun and dynamic work environment.

The Australian Health Survey

In October the Australian Bureau of Statistics released the Australian Health Survey found that obesity rates in Australian adults are on the rise, with 63 per cent now classed as overweight or obese. The Australian Health Survey weighed, measured, interviewed and took biomedical samples of about 50,000 people and found that obesity rates in Australian adults are on the rise, with 63 per cent now classed as overweight or obese.

Researchers also found 67 per cent of Australians perform little to no exercise and only 5.6 per cent of Australian adults had an adequate daily intake of fruit and vegetables.

Interview with a Nutrition Professional

In two sentences, tell us what a bit about your role in the Nutrition industry.

When trying to conceive my first child I began researching nutrition for conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding, which eventuated in the development of my company Zycia, which means 'life' and specialises pre and post natal nutrition to promote and support life in its earliest stages. The pregnancy supplement Zycia Natal Nutrients is now available through Pharmacies Nationally and via the SIDS and Kids website.

What does a Nutritionist do on a day to day basis?

My day to day role involves running seminars for maternity hospitals, IVF clinics, obstetricians and medical staff, conducting training for Pharmacy staff and reps, writing articles for websites and magazines, managing the company website, liaising with the TGA and CHC regarding product claims and advertising, receiving and placing stock orders and invoicing and overseeing the general running of the business.

What are the best parts of the job?

The bests parts of my job are conducting training's and seminars to inspire people about nutrition and the impact it has on both mother and baby before during and after pregnancy as well as discovering new research to help improve pregnancy outcomes for the longer term.

What skills/attributes do potential Nutrition industry employees need to have?

If you're looking to work in the nutrition industry you need to be passionate about health, self motivated, enjoy helping others and sincerity is a must, you need practice what you preach! If you're not taking your own advice you can't expect others to!

What’re your favourite things about working in the Nutrition Industry?

My favourite things about working in the nutrition industry are, helping to inspire and motivate others about their health and giving them the skills to take control of their well being to live happier, healthier lives.

Thanks, Tasha, for speaking with Open Colleges.