Dietetic Technicians

SOC code 29-2051 · O*NET-SOC 29-2051.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare

Dietetic Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$37,640

a year

Hourly

$18.09

per hour

10th$29,720Median$37,64090th$54,020

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$40,630

$19.54 per hour

Middle 50%

$33,880 – $45,750

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$29,720 – $54,020

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

31,560

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $29,720; $14.29/hr
25th percentile: $33,880; $16.29/hr
Median percentile: $37,640; $18.09/hr
75th percentile: $45,750; $22.00/hr
90th percentile: $54,020; $25.97/hr

What does a dietetic technician do?

Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Observe and monitor patient food intake and body weight, and report changes, progress, and dietary problems to dietician.
Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals' dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs.
Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
Supervise food production or service or assist dietitians or nutritionists in food service supervision or planning.
Plan menus or diets or guide individuals or families in food selection, preparation, or menu planning, based upon nutritional needs and established guidelines.
Determine food and beverage costs and assist in implementing cost control procedures.
Develop job specifications, job descriptions, or work schedules.
Refer patients to other relevant services to provide continuity of care.

How to become a dietetic technician

Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 35% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree35%
Post-Secondary Certificate27%
Some College Courses15%
Less than a High School Diploma10%

Common questions

How much does a dietetic technician earn?

The national median is $37,640 a year. The full range runs from $29,720 at the 10th percentile to $54,020 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a dietetic technician without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking3.4/5
Active Listening3.3/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Writing3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Active Learning3.1/5
Learning Strategies3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.8/5
English Language4.5/5
Education and Training4.2/5
Mathematics4.0/5
Public Safety and Security4.0/5
Administration and Management3.9/5
Food Production3.9/5
Administrative3.8/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Instructing.