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The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for Certified Nutritionist around the country.
What We Do
Certified nutritionists are qualified individuals who have expertise on food and nutrition and use this to help people manage diseases and promote good health. They offer advice on what to eat so that people can become healthy overall, or to reach a certain weight loss or physical fitness goal.
Work Environment
Most certified nutritionists work in private, local, and state hospitals. They can also be found in government, residential and nursing care facilities, outpatient centers, or food and accommodation services.
How to Become a Certified Nutritionist
To become a certified nutritionist, you should first complete a bachelor’s degree in clinical nutrition, dietetics, foods, and nutrition, public health nutrition, or another relevant subject. During your program, you will learn about the science of nutrition, while at the same time taking part in many hours of supervised on the job training, which is usually in an internship. Certified nutritionists must hold a master’s degree.
Training & Certification Requirements
In most states, nutritionists require a license to practice. If you wish to become a certified nutritionist, all states will require you to have a license. Each state has its own rules and regulations in place, but they usually include completion of a bachelor’s degree, supervised practice, and passing an examination. To become a certified nutritionist, you must pass the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) examination. Holding this certification demonstrates that you have superior and advanced knowledge on the subject. Many states accept the CNS for their licensure purposes as well. In order to be able to take part in the credential examination, you must have completed a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral), take part in at least 1,000 hours of experience, and pass the examination. The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists offers this credential. You must maintain certification by taking part in continuous education credits, or by retaking the exam. There are also options for additional certifications in specific areas of practice, which further emphasizes specialty skills. For instance, you can take part in credentials for sports dietetics, pediatric nutrition, gerontological nutrition, renal nutrition, and oncology nutrition.
Certified Nutritionist Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Certified Nutritionist.
| Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Certified Dietary Manager | $36,000 |
| Public Health Nutritionist Supervisor | $46,000 |
| Clinical Nutritionist | $54,000 |
| Public Health Specialist | $70,000 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionist | $39,000 |
| Senior Health Educator | $36,000 |
| Public Health Nutritionist | $52,000 |
| Home Health Attendant | $15,000 |
Certified Nutritionist Earning Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all dietitians and nutritionists earned a median annual salary of $57,910 as of May 2015.
Certified Nutritionist Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that dietitians and nutritionists can expect a job growth of 16% between the years of 2014 and 2024, which is much faster than the national average.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Certified Nutritionist was $56,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide are 3% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Certified Nutritionist Salary by State
The following lists Certified Nutritionist salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $71,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $35,000.
| Alaska – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Southcentral Foundation, Bartlett Regional Hospital, and Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc.. |
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| Alabama – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics, Compassus, and Crestwood Medical Center. |
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| Arkansas – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like George's Inc. |
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| Arizona – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Planet Fitness – JEG FIT, Lifetime Fitness, and Banner Health. |
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| California – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like National Renal Care, LLC, Native American Health Center, Crunch Fitness, and Stanford Health Care. |
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| Colorado – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics, Lifetime Fitness, Lockheed Martin, and Kaiser Permanente. |
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| Connecticut – $65,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics. |
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| DC – $71,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kaiser Permanente, Lifetime Fitness, Clinical Management Consultants, and State of Maryland. |
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| Delaware – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Nemours. |
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| Florida – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics, WellCare, MBB Radiology, and Florida Hospital. |
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| Georgia – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics, Columbus Regional Healthcare, Northside Hospital, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. |
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| Hawaii – $35,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Iowa – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Elevate Healthcare Consultants. |
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| Idaho – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Community Connections, Inc. and Kindred Healthcare. |
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| Illinois – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics, Northwestern Medicine, Fitness Formula Clubs, and LifeTime Fitness. |
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| Indiana – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like NutriPledge, LLC. |
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| Kansas – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lifetime Fitness, The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, and The University of Kansas Hospital. |
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| Kentucky – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Louisville Metro Public Health And Wellness. |
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| Louisiana – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Massachusetts – $68,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics, UMass Memorial Medical Group Physicians, BayPath Elder Services, and Perkins School for the Blind. |
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| Maryland – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Core Life, Kaiser Permanente, State of Maryland, and Lifetime Fitness. |
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| Maine – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Michigan – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lifetime Fitness, Square Organics, and All About "U" Fitness & Wellness Center LLC. |
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| Minnesota – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lifetime Fitness, Square Organics, and The StayWell Company. |
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| Missouri – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics, NutriFormance & Athletic Republic, St. Louis, and Children's Mercy Hospitals & Clinics. |
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| Mississippi – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Compassus and Hinds County School District. |
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| Montana – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| North Carolina – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Lifetime Fitness, and LifeStyle Medical Center. |
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| North Dakota – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Nebraska – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. |
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| New Hampshire – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like NEPRC. |
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| New Jersey – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics, Execu | Search, WellCare, and Compassus. |
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| New Mexico – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics, Sandia Resort And Casino, and Pueblo of Sandia. |
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| Nevada – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like iRecon Marketing LLC, Green Valley Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Advanced Pediatric Therapies, and My House Fitness – Las Vegas. |
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| New York – $68,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics, Fitnescity, Syracuse Community Health Center, Inc., and New York Medical Alliance. |
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| Ohio – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lifetime Fitness, Square Organics, and Cleveland Clinic. |
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| Oklahoma – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Square Organics. |
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| Oregon – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Oregon Health & Science University and Square Organics. |
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| Pennsylvania – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania Health System, and Children's Integrated Center for Success. |
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| Rhode Island – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| South Carolina – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of South Carolina and Square Organics. |
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| South Dakota – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Regional Health. |
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| Tennessee – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Nia Association, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Summit Medical Center, and Square Organics. |
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| Texas – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lifetime Fitness, Square Organics, Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, and The Johnson Center for Child Health & Development. |
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| Utah – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like New Star Fitness & Nutrition, Total Health and Fitness, and Intermountain Healthcare. |
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| Virginia – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kaiser Permanente, Lifetime Fitness, Concentric Methods, and United Methodist Family. |
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| Vermont – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Washington – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cascade Integrative Medicine, Sea Mar Community Health Centers, Thrive Integrative Health, and Planet Fitness – JEG FIT. |
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| Wisconsin – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Healing Tree LLC #262-342-5099, UW Hospitals & Clinics, Gundersen Health System, and UW Health. |
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| West Virginia – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Wyoming – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
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Average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Certified Nutritionist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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