How Much Does a Nutrition Director Make? (2025)

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that dietitians and nutritionists, including nutrition directors, jobs in the US are expected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033. This figure is faster than average and corresponds to an estimated 6,100 job openings every year for the job title.

Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for nutrition directors in the United States for 2025 is $102,273. This salary guide provides a comprehensive overview of nutrition director salaries, job descriptions, FAQs, and job expectations.

What Does a Nutrition Director Do?

A nutrition director manages and supervises all facets of an organization's nutritional policies and programs. They formulate rules and procedures to guarantee that all menus adhere to established dietetic standards. They also oversee and consults on food service operations to guarantee that menus adhere to established nutritional guidelines.

Nutrition director’s also supervises the provision of adequate nutrition instruction. They formulate operational plans and precise objectives for the sub-function, and establishes budgets, rules, and procedures to reinforce the functional infrastructure.

According to BLS, here are the top industries that dietitians and nutritionists, including nutrition directors work for are the following:

• Outpatient care centers
• Hospitals; state, local, and private
• Government
• Nursing and residential care facilities

Nutrition directors typically require an undergraduate degree or a master’s degree which also includes a supervised training and a license such as the Registered Dietitian (RD)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) designation. The role generally necessitates over 5 years of managerial experience. Substantial expertise in the controlled sub-function and comprehensive understanding of the whole departmental function.

What is the Nutrition Director Overview?

The average salary for nutrition directors in the United States on August 11, 2025, is $102,273 per year according to Salary.com. A nutrition director’s salary ranges from $84,678 to $120,766 per year, with most earning between $93,063 and $111,953. The average salary per month is $8,523.

Nutrition directors typically earn an average of $49 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $45 to $54. Moreover, the average salary for nutrition directors per week is $1,967, with weekly pay ranging from $1,790 to $2,153.

2025 Nutrition Director Salary: $102,273 ($49 per hour)

Meanwhile, the median core compensation for a nutrition director is $109,193 per year, including salary and bonuses, and varies depending on the percentile.

On the other hand, the average total compensation for nutrition directors in the US is $149,052, according to the Salary.com report. The total compensation package includes benefits like time off ($13,439), Social Security ($8,353), and healthcare ($6,056) which make up 18.7% of the total compensation.

What Can Affect a Nutrition Director’s Salary?

Various factors such as experience level, geographic location, education, and skills can significantly influence the salary of nutrition directors. Below is a breakdown of key salary components:

By Experience Level

Salary.com data shows that entry-level nutrition directors with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $96,657. In contrast, experienced nutrition directors working for eight or more years, considered expert-level professionals, can expect to earn an average salary of $101,331.

By Geographic Location

Salaries for nutrition directors in the United States vary by geographic location due to key factors like cost of living, the local economy, and industry presence.

Among the hot cities in the United States, San Francisco reports the highest median salary at $127,723 while Miami and Dallas reflect lower median salaries at $98,263 and $100,993, respectively.

By Skills

Gaining sought-after skills is an effective way to increase nutrition director salaries and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand nutrition director skills are food safety procedures and menu planning with 10.90% and 10.50%, respectively.

Meanwhile, essential skills such as food, drugs, and medical devices regulations can increase nutrition director salaries by 7.16%. The table below includes more in-demand skills for nutrition directors and their respective influence on their salary:

How to Become a Nutrition Director?

Nutrition directors typically require a undergraduate degree or master’s. To pursue a career and earn more money as a nutrition director, concentrate on developing the following key areas such as the following:

• Finish a degree: According to BLS, a bachelor's or master's degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a similar discipline is normally required of dietitians and nutritionists. A graduate degree, which typically requires previous training in disciplines like anatomy, biology, and physiology, is required for several qualifications. Candidates with a professional certificate, such as the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) may be preferred by employers.
• Undergo rigorous training: After graduating from college, dietitians and nutritionists, commonly get supervised training, often in the manner of an internship. As part of their study, students can conduct supervised training through coordinated dietetics programs offered by some colleges.
• Expand work experience: Some nutrition directors explore work opportunities. According to Salary.com report, to get to this level, the job role requires at least 5 or more years of managerial experience and a Registered Dietitian (RD)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) license.
• Acquire relevant licenses and certifications: BLS indicates that the CNS exam or certificate is accepted for licensing in several states. Candidates must pass an exam, finish supervised training, and hold a master's or doctoral degree in order to be eligible for the certificate. Nutritionists must earn continuing education credits within a specified number of years in order to keep their CNS credential. Nutritionists and dietitians may pursue further credentials in specialized fields as sports dietetics, diabetes education, or oncology nutrition.

What are the FAQs about Nutrition Directors?

Here are some common questions about the nutrition director pay:

What is the highest salary for a nutrition director?

Nutrition directors in hot cities in the United States typically earn more than those working in other locations. For instance, a nutrition director based in San Francisco, California earns an average yearly salary of $128,993 while those based on New York, New York earns an average of $118,523 per year, according to Salary.com.

What educational background is needed to become a Nutrition Director?

Dietitians and nutritionists often need an undergraduate or master's degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field, according to BLS. A variety of qualifications demand for a graduate degree, which usually necessitates prior study in fields like anatomy, biology, and physiology. Employers may favor applicants who hold a professional certification, such as the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS).

What do nutrition directors charge per hour?

The average hourly rate of nutrition directors in the US is $49, with rates ranging from $45 to $54.