As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Dietary Clerk I in the United States is $34,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Dietary Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Dietary Clerk I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Dietary Clerk I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Clerk I | 0-1 years | $34,300 |
| Dietetic Assistant II | 1-3 years | $38,309 |
| Dietary Services Supervisor | 3+ years | $56,003 |
| Dietary Services Manager | 3-5 years | $83,703 |
| Dietary Director | 5+ years | $102,362 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Dietary Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 7.92% |
| Food Handling | 4.38% |
| Foodservice | 1.65% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$38,759 |
13%
|
|
Commitment
|
$36,701 |
7%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$36,358 |
6%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$36,015 |
5%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$35,672 |
4%
|
|
HACCP
|
$35,329 |
3%
|
Dietary Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $36,572. While startup companies pay approximate $31,114.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $31,114 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $32,860 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $35,362 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $36,572 |
For Dietary Clerk I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Dietary Clerk positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Dietary Clerk I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $39,445 | $19.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Dietary Clerk Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Dietary Clerk I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $31,633 and $33,437).
Dietary Clerk I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 20.0% |
| High School | 20.0% |
| Associates | 20.0% |
| Bachelors | 60.0% |
| Masters | 20.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Dietary Clerk I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a Dietary Clerk I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Dietetic Assistant II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $38,400 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Salaries for a Dietary Clerk I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,743 in 2023 to around $40,805 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Dietary Clerk I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $41,743 |
| 2024 | $41,215 |
| 2025 | $40,805 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Dietary Clerk I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
The highest paid Dietary Clerks earn a salary of up to $38,400 annually, with a minimum salary of $31,200 and a mid-range salary of $34,300. Salaries can vary significantly based on location and experience, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field.
Dietary aides play a vital role in helping individuals make informed and healthy food choices, making the job quite fulfilling. However, the salary can vary, with a minimum of $31,200, a mid-range of $34,300, and a maximum of $38,400 annually. This compensation reflects the importance of their work in promoting nutrition and well-being.
To become a dietary aide, a high school diploma is required. While many have an associate degree in nutrition or a related field, experience in food service is also valuable. The salary for dietary clerks ranges from $31,200 to $38,400, with a median salary of $34,300, reflecting the importance of both education and experience in this role.
The highest paying clerk position is the Chief Clerk, with a salary range of $48,000 to $105,500 per year. In comparison, a Dietary Clerk earns between $31,200 and $38,400 annually, with a mid-salary of $34,300. While Dietary Clerks have a lower salary range, they play a vital role in food service and nutrition management.
The top pay for a Dietary Clerk is $38,400 annually, which translates to a monthly salary of $3,200. The minimum salary for this position starts at $31,200, while the mid-range salary is approximately $34,300.
To become a health unit clerk, most employers prefer candidates with prior clerical experience in healthcare. If you don't have this experience, consider earning a certificate or degree in health information technology or a related field. The salary for a Dietary Clerk typically ranges from $31,200 to $38,400, with a midpoint of $34,300.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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