Dietitians and Nutritionists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nurses out-earn Dietitians and Nutritionists by $21K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Dietitians and Nutritionists land at $76,400 and Registered Nurses at $97,550. The education gap is real: dietitians and nutritionist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Dietitians and Nutritionists is California ($98,850); for Registered Nurses it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Dietitians and Nutritionists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Dietitians and Nutritionists or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses earn more nationally. The median is $76,400 for Dietitians and Nutritionists versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $21K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Dietitians and Nutritionists or Registered Nurses?
Dietitians and Nutritionists has the better 10-year outlook at 5.5% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Dietitians and Nutritionists or Registered Nurses?
Dietitians and Nutritionists typically requires bachelor's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Dietitians and Nutritionists get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Dietitians and Nutritionists at $98,850/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Dietitians and Nutritionists vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Dietitians and Nutritionists earn $98,850 vs. $140,270 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.