In the past few decades, nutrition has become more of a priority among many individuals. One reason is that we have more access to nutritional information, such as calorie and fat content listed on popular restaurants’ menus. Another is an enhanced focus on nutrition by medical professionals. In the not-so-recent past, physicians had very little training in this area.
“This is a concern, because nutrition training for physicians is extremely important but grossly undervalued,” notes Dr. Milan Shah, a urologist in Los Angeles. His field of expertise benefits greatly from a nutritional knowledge base. While he’s garnered a better understanding of nutrition over the years, Dr. Shah wishes he had that education earlier in his career.
Fortunately, medical experts are realizing (and recognizing) the merit of expanding nutrition-focused programs and the careers they produce. For example, graduates of the online Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition program from Northwest Missouri State University (Northwest) gain an array of promising professional opportunities. This rigorous program equips students with enhanced knowledge of nutrition and advances managerial skill sets among professionals in nutrition-related fields.
The following represents some professions available to nutrition specialists with an advanced degree. Salary amounts are not final and vary depending on factors like demand, geographic location and experience level.
Director of Food and Nutrition Services
Food and nutrition services directors oversee the planning, managing and optimizing of meal services within organizations like schools, hospitals and other large institutions. Responsibilities include nutritional analysis of meals, staff management, budgeting and compliance with dietary guidelines and regulations.
As of 2023, the median annual salary for this position is approximately $106,300, according to Salary.com. Given the rising demand for healthy and balanced meals across organizations, food and nutrition services directors are poised to see continued job growth.
Nutrition and Wellness Coach
Nutrition and wellness coaches focus on guiding individuals and groups toward healthier lifestyles through nutritional education and personalized diet plans. These professionals often work in fitness centers, spas, clinics or private practices.
The average annual salary for a health and wellness coach is roughly $70,038, as per Salary.com. The profession’s outlook is bright, given the increasing emphasis on preventative healthcare and personal wellness.
Personal Trainer
Combining fitness and nutrition knowledge, personal trainers provide fitness guidance and nutritional advice to clients. They design fitness programs to help clients meet their health and wellness goals.
The average personal trainer salary ranges around $66,098 per year, according to Salary.com. As society becomes increasingly health-conscious, the demand for personal trainers is projected to grow steadily.
Hospital Food Services Management
Hospital food services managers supervise all aspects of food service in hospital settings. They ensure meals meet nutritional guidelines, manage budgets and oversee staff. The median pay for a “general” food services manager (not necessarily a hospital food services manager) is $90,121 per year, as cited on Salary.com. The need for health-conscious meals in healthcare settings promotes job stability in this field.
Senior Care Management
Nutrition specialists can also find rewarding work in senior care management, overseeing the dietary needs of elderly populations in assisted living facilities or retirement homes. Their work involves meal planning, nutritional assessment and dietary adjustments catered to each resident’s health condition. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects 28% growth for health services managers positions through 2031, including those in senior care management, which is must faster than the national average.
Registered Dietitian
This option is exclusive to students who complete the Dietetics Internship (DI) track at Northwest. Registered dietitians (RDs) investigate, diagnose and treat nutritional problems. These professionals work with both individuals and in a wider public health capacity. According to the BLS, dietitians and nutritionists earn a median salary of $61,650 per year, with a projected growth rate of 7% between 2021 and 2031.
Public Health Nutrition Services
Nutrition specialists can contribute to public health by designing and implementing nutritional programs, educating the public on nutrition and influencing food policy. Salary varies widely in this field, depending on the role and location.
Nutrition Researcher
Nutrition researchers conduct studies to discover new facts, verify theories or develop new nutritional strategies. The median salary for a nutrition researcher is approximately $83,588 per year, according to Salary.com. As the link between diet and health remains a key research area, the demand for skilled nutrition researchers remains high.
About Northwest’s Online M.S. in Nutrition Program
The above represents just a sampling of the different positions available in the field of nutrition. No matter which route individuals decide to take, an M.S. in Nutrition provides a versatile foundation for several high-demand, fulfilling career paths. Northwest’s online program equips students with the necessary skills to promote health and wellness through nutritional education and research — promising a future of impactful contributions to society.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online M.S. in Nutrition program.
