what is a nutritionist?

As a nutritionist, you translate scientific nutrition information into practical dietary advice. You advise public health officials on food-related problems and treat nutrition-related illnesses. Your job involves assessing people's current eating habits and examining the impacts on their lives. From the assessment, you provide recommendations on nutritional changes necessary to improve bodily functions and overall well-being.

Nutritionists often work with people experiencing nutritional or diet-related health problems like eating disorders and digestive issues. Doctors refer patients to a nutritional specialist to help them improve their physical or mental state. As well as individual consultations, nutritionists work with organisations and groups like government officials to develop food policies. In schools, a nutritionist assists in creating healthy meal plans for students. Other fields that rely on nutritionists include the food industry, where you determine products' nutritional value and contents. Professional athletes and sports people rely on nutritionist advice to stay healthy and physically fit.

Nutritionists rely on research skills to investigate the effects of various foods on the human body. Aligning your research and critical thinking skills improves your knowledge in the field and makes you a successful nutritionist.

view nutritionist vacancies
1

average nutritionist salary

As a nutritionist, you earn an average salary of $75,000 per year. The remuneration package ranges from $65,000 to $85,000 yearly, depending on the role and the experience required. If the job requires minimal experience, you start with a minimum salary of $65,000 annually. When you take on additional duties requiring expert knowledge, you earn $85,000 yearly.

what factors affect the remuneration package of nutritionists?

The remuneration package of nutritionists fluctuates due to numerous factors. For instance, a nutritionist with minimal work experience is likely to earn less than experts with years of experience. When you have basic qualifications, you work under supervision and are likely to earn a lower salary.

Aside from experience and qualifications, your remuneration package is influenced by external factors like location and the company you work for. When you work for private health facilities, your earnings are higher due to the unlimited budgets of the company. Some metro areas have higher remuneration packages due to the high demand for the services of nutritionists.

Want to know more about what you will earn as a nutritionist? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

view nutritionist careers
2

types of nutritionists

Some of the types of nutritionists include:

  • clinical nutritionists: as a clinical nutritionist, you provide nutritional therapy. That means you create personalised nutritional programs based on a patient's health needs. As a clinical nutritionist, you work with people suffering from digestive disorders, diabetes and kidney diseases.
  • public health nutritionists: as a public health nutritionist, you develop programs to improve knowledge of nutrition and other diets. You work in public health facilities and government or non-profit agencies, providing advice on nutrition, food and health topics. You also work with people with special nutritional needs, such as adolescents or the elderly, to help them improve their well-being.
close up - smiling female
close up - smiling female
3

working as a nutritionist

As a nutritionist, you advise clients on their health and well-being. Let’s check out the daily duties, responsibilities, work environment and job outlook of the role.

4

education and skills

In Australia, nutrition is not a government-regulated profession. That means there are no specific qualifications for becoming a nutritionist. However, you can join the Nutrition Society of Australia's Voluntary Register of Nutritionists. If you want a career as a nutritionist, consider the following qualifications:

  • education: you require a relevant degree or college qualification like a Certificate IV in allied health assistance and specialising in nutrition and dietetics. Alternatively, pursue a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition, nutrition science and food and nutrition. When you have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated course, complete a graduate diploma in human nutrition. When you complete the undergraduate degree, register with the NSA Voluntary Register of Nutritionists. The registration is renewed every three years and shows commitment to high standards in the industry.
  • work experience: as a nutritionist, you gain experience through internships and entry-level positions. You require adequate experience to start practising as a nutritionist.

nutritionist skills and competencies

Some of the skills and competencies of a nutritionist include:

  • communication skills: as a nutritionist, you use written and verbal communication skills to teach patients about healthy eating habits. You also require listening skills to understand patients as they explain their conditions. Written communication skills help you write nutrition tips and develop patient meal plans.
  • teamwork skills: as a nutritionist, you work with a team to assist patients. For instance, you liaise with doctors for appropriate diagnoses to ensure you assist patients with the required treatment.
  • analytical skills: as a nutritionist, you assess a patient’s condition and analyse their symptoms before providing a treatment plan. You also analyse medical data and scientific research to ensure you provide good meal plans that meet the patient’s needs.
  • research skills: you rely on your research skills to analyse nutritional treatment plans. Your job is to study less understood treatment plans and find scientific evidence that supports the treatment of various conditions.
5

FAQs about working as a nutritionist

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a nutritionist.

thank you for subscribing to your personalised job alerts.