A clinical dietitian is a healthcare professional who advises patient on medical nutrition therapy. In the US, a clinical dietitian earns about $62,000 per year while Australia tops this amount at more than AU$92,000 ($71,737 USD). Earnings are similar in US dollar currency in New Zealand and Canada at more than NZ$77,000 ($55,917 USD) and more than C$63,000 ($50,380 USD), respectively, followed by the UK at roughly £35,000 ($42,700 USD). Those in South Africa earn well over R248,000 ($20,418 USD) compared to India at Rs4,85,000 ($7,510 USD) per year. Information on the clinical dietitian salary in select countries is included in this guide, as well as information on the impact of geographic region, professional experience, and work setting upon earning potential.
How Much Does a Clinical Dietitian make per Year?
The chart below provides average wage information for clinical dietitians worldwide.
| Clinical Dietitian Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $30 | C$31 | £17 | AU$44 | NZ$37 | Rs233 | R119 |
| Annual Wage | $61,974 | C$63,499 ($50,380 USD) |
£34,866 ($42,700 USD) |
AU$92,222 ($71,737 USD) |
NZ$77,401 ($55,917 USD) |
Rs4,85,098 ($7,510 USD) |
R248,469 ($20,418 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Clinical Dietitian Salary
Earning potential for clinical dietitians varies worldwide by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting. This guide provides additional information on salary and career insight for this profession.
1. Geographic Area
Clinical Dietitian Salary in US
In the US, clinical dietitians earn about $62,000 per year in base salary plus close to $1,000 in additional bonus income. Those paid an hourly wage earn an average of $30 per hour. Early career clinical dietitians earn close to $45,000 per year compared to the most experienced senior level professionals with annual pay of well over $76,000.
Clinical Dietitian Salary in Canada
Clinical dietitians in Canada receive an annual compensation of about C$63,500 in base pay nearly C$1,000 in additional bonus income. The average hourly wage is C$31. For those with up to three years of experience, entry level salaries are about C$46,000 per year, increasing with experience and responsibility to more than C$78,000 for those in senior level positions.
Clinical Dietitian Salary in UK
The average pay for clinical dietitians in the UK is about £35,000 per year, or £17 per hour. Bonus income potential can boost overall earnings another £500. As an entry level clinical dietitian, the average annual salary exceeds £25,000 while those in senior level positions earn about £43,000 annually.
Clinical Dietitian in Australia
Clinical dietitians in Australia see annual earnings exceeding AU$92,000 plus AU$1,300 in additional bonus income. Hourly wage earners receive AU$44 per hour, on average. The average entry level salary is about AU$67,000 per year for those with up to three years’ experience, while those in senior level positions with the most experienced and responsibility earn close to AU$114,000 per year.
Clinical Dietitian Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the average annual salary for clinical dietitians is well over NZ$77,000. There is potential to add another NZ$1,000 or more to overall earnings. Those paid an average wage earn about NZ$37 per hour. As an entry level clinical dietitian, annual pay is nearly NZ$56,000 compared to senior level pay that exceeds NZ$95,000 per year.
Clinical Dietitian Salary in India
The average annual pay for clinical dietitians in India is roughly Rs4,85,000, while hourly pay averages Rs233. Bonus income potential can boost overall earnings another Rs6,700. Those with up to three years of experience see an annual salary of more than Rs3,55,000, increasing throughout one’s career to more than Rs6,06,000 per year upon reaching a senior level position.
Clinical Dietitian Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, clinical dietitians receive an annual compensation of more than R248,000 per year in base salary and another R3,500 in bonus income. Those paid an hourly wage receive R119 per hour, on average. Upon entering this career field, the average entry level annual salary is close to R181,000, while senior level pay tops R308,000 per year.
2. Experience
With additional professional experience, the gap between entry level and senior level pay can widen between 69% and 72%. In the US and Australia, where salaries are among the highest for this career, annual pay for senior level professionals is about $31,000 more in the US and about AU$47,000 more in Australia, an increase of 69% and 70%, respectively. In India, where salaries are on the lower end of the pay scale, the difference between senior level and entry level pay is about Rs2,51,000 more per year, or 71%. The UK sees the largest percent of increase in pay at 72%, or £18,000 more per year.
3. Industry
Clinical dietitians work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and clinics. They often specialize in weight management for patients who are overweight or have chronic health conditions such as diabetes. There is little variance in the types of work setting for clinical dietitians, making pay similar across employers. However, those who work in for-profit organizations or the private sector may see higher incomes and greater potential for bonus pay.
Working Hours
A typical work schedule for clinical dietitians is 40 hours per week, although there are part-time opportunities for those in this career field. Clinical dietitians typically work during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, and while some overtime may be necessary, it is not the norm.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Benefits packages for clinical dietitians often include healthcare coverage and paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time. Additional benefits like retirement plans, health savings accounts, and allowances for conferences or training may be offered by some employers. While bonus pay is common worldwide, it does not significantly boost overall income.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates growth of 15% for clinical dietitians between 2016 and 2026. This is a much faster than average growth rate and comes as the result of a greater understanding of food and nutrition’s effect on overall health and wellness. To work as a clinical dietitian, a bachelor’s degree in nutrition is required. Those with advanced degrees and training often earn higher pay and are more often sought after for competitive positions.
Conclusion
Clinical dietitians earn moderate incomes reflective of the level of required education for this career field, along with comprehensive benefits and bonus packages. While most are employed full-time, there are part-time positions available. Growth is expected to remain at a faster than average rate, which should continue providing ample employment opportunities for newly trained clinical dietitians and support earning levels.
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