A dietetic technician works under the guidance of a registered dietitian in the meal planning and food preparation for patients with specific nutritional requirements. In the US, a dietetic technician salary is about $35,000 per year, similar to the US dollar equivalency seen in Australia and New Zealand at AU$52,000 ($40,290 USD) and NZ$44,000 ($31,985 USD), respectively. Annual earnings in Canada are just under C$37,000 ($28,792 USD), followed by the UK at £22,000 ($26,610 USD), South Africa at R111,000 ($9,229 USD) and India at Rs2,03,000 ($4,669 USD). Salary information for dietetic technicians in select countries is included in this guide with details on the effects of geographic region, professional experience, and work setting.
How Much Does a Dietetic Technician Make per Year?
The chart below provides average wage information for dietetic technicians worldwide.
| Dietetic Technician Salaries | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $17 | C$18 | £10 | AU$25 | NZ$21 | Rs98 | R53 |
| Annual Wage | $35,060 | C$36,856 ($28,792 USD) |
£21,637 ($26,610 USD) |
AU$52,454 ($40,290 USD) |
NZ$44,027 ($31,985 USD) |
Rs2,03,099 ($4,669 USD) |
R111,052 ($9,229 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Dietetic Technician Salary
Earning potential for dietetic technicians varies worldwide by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting. This guide explores salary information and offers career insight for this career field.
1. Geographic Area
Dietetic Technician Salary in US
In the US, dietetic technicians earn about $35,000 per year in base salary plus about $400 in additional bonus income. Those paid an hourly wage earn an average of $17 per hour. Early career dietetic technicians earn close to $27,000 per year compared to the most experienced senior level professionals with annual pay exceeding $42,000.
Dietetic Technician Salary in Canada
Dietetic technicians in Canada receive an annual compensation of about C$37,000 in base pay and nearly C$500 in additional bonus income. The average hourly wage is C$18. For those with up to three years of experience, entry level salaries are about C$28,000 per year, increasing with experience and responsibility to more than C$44,000 for those in senior level positions.
Dietetic Technician Salary in UK
The average pay for dietetic technicians in the UK is about £22,000 per year, or £10 per hour. Bonus income potential can boost overall earnings another £300. As an entry level dietetic technician, the average annual salary is well over £16,000 while those in senior level positions earn about £26,000 annually.
Dietetic Technician in Australia
Dietetic technicians in Australia see annual earnings exceeding AU$52,000 plus AU$700 in additional bonus income. Hourly wage earners receive AU$25 per hour, on average. The average entry level salary is about AU$40,000 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$63,000 per year.
Dietetic Technician Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the average annual salary for dietetic technicians tops NZ$44,000. There is potential to add another NZ$500 or more to overall earnings. Those paid an hourly wage earn about NZ$21 per hour. As an entry level dietetic technician, annual pay is well over NZ$34,000 compared to senior level pay that can reach NZ$53,000 per year.
Dietetic Technician Salary in India
The average annual pay for dietetic technicians in India is roughly Rs2,03,000, while hourly pay averages Rs98. Bonus income potential can boost overall earnings another Rs2,600. Those with up to three years of experience see an annual salary of more than Rs1,57,000, increasing throughout one’s career to more than Rs2,47,000 per year upon reaching a senior level position.
Dietetic Technician Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, dietetic technicians receive an annual compensation of more than R111,000 per year in base salary and another R1,400 in bonus income. Those paid an hourly wage receive R53 per hour, on average. Upon entering this career field, the average entry level annual salary is close to R85,000, while senior level pay tops R134,000 per year.
2. Experience
With additional professional experience, the gap between entry level and senior level pay is about 53% to 58%. However the greatest increase in pay is seen in the UK where the difference in salary can expand as much as 63%, or £10,000 more per year. In the US, senior level dietetic technicians earn about $15,000 more per year over their entry level counterparts, representing an increase of 56%. Australia is among the highest income regions, and the gap between entry level and senior level pay is about 58%, or AU$23,000 more per year. Annual pay is significantly lower in India, but senior level pay increases about 53%, equating to an annual salary of about Rs90,000 more per year for senior level employees.
3. Industry
Dietetic technicians most often work in hospitals and nursing care facilities as many of their patients have dietary needs resulting from chronic health conditions such as diabetes. Work setting is not a strong influencer of income as there is little variance in the types of employers for dietetic technicians. However, those who work in for-profit organizations or the private sector may have higher earning potential and see greater bonus income opportunities.
Working Hours
While most dietetic technicians work a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, there are ample part-time opportunities. Dietetic technicians typically work Monday through Friday during normal business hours, with some weekend and holiday work due to the 24-hour care provided in many patient settings. While some overtime may be necessary, it is uncommon.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Benefits packages for dietetic technicians often include healthcare coverage and paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time. Overtime hours and vacation work can garner additional pay at higher hourly rates. While bonus pay is common worldwide, it does not significantly boost overall income.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a growth rate of 15% through 2026 for dietetic technicians. This much faster than average growth rate is expected as education and understanding of food nutrition on health and wellness increases. To work as a dietetic technician, an associate’s degree is required; however, those with a bachelor’s degree or additional training may see higher pay and be more competitive for employment.
Conclusion
Dietetic technicians see lower earning potential that is reflective of the level of required education for this career field. Benefits packages are comprehensive and bonus pay is common, though does not offer a significant boost in earnings. Full-time and part-time employment is available, and a must faster than average growth rate will likely maintain salary levels and offer sufficient job opportunities.
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