About one-third of nutritionists work at hospitals, while 12% are employed by the government, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only 8% work on their own, but this might be the option for those who value flexibility. As far as salary goes, expect to earn around $61,650 per year. Depending on your experience, location, and work environment, you could make up to $93,000 or higher.
Finding work can be tricky if you’re just starting your career. Your best bet is to look beyond traditional jobs and focus on gaining real-world experience. For starters, consider setting up a website or blog to showcase your services. Publish content on nutrition-related topics and share your work on social media. You can also team up with food bloggers and health magazines to get your content published on third-party platforms and gain exposure. Meanwhile, engage in relevant conversations on Quora, Reddit, and Facebook groups to share your knowledge and connect with potential clients.
Go one step further and offer your services via Skype, Zoom, or other online platforms. Alternatively, you may join a telehealth platform like American Well, OnPoint Nutrition, or Teladoc and work with clients from all over the world. Another option is to start a private practice, but the outcome depends largely on where you live. However, you can always apply for jobs at local hospitals, clinics, gym chains, wellness centers, or other facilities to gain experience and build your customer base.
