As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Dietary Director in the United States is $102,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Dietary Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Dietary Director'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 Director'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Dietary Director | $97,221 |
| Intermediate Level Dietary Director | $97,964 |
| Senior Level Dietary Director | $98,955 |
| Specialist Level Dietary Director | $100,194 |
| Expert Level Dietary Director | $101,433 |
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 Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 9.09% |
| Economics | 2.32% |
| Purchasing | 1.94% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$109,461 |
7%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$108,438 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$107,415 |
5%
|
|
Analysis
|
$107,415 |
5%
|
|
Coaching
|
$106,392 |
4%
|
|
Coordination
|
$106,392 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Dietary Directors 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 Director with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $98,416 and $106,300).
Dietary Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 13.3% |
| High School | 13.3% |
| Associates | 5.0% |
| Bachelors | 25.0% |
| Masters | 56.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Dietary Director'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Dietary Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $135,133 in 2023 to around $133,663 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Dietary Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $135,133 |
| 2024 | $136,152 |
| 2025 | $133,663 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Working as a Dietary Director can be a rewarding career for those passionate about nutrition and wellness. With a salary range from $93,600 to $122,500, this role not only offers financial stability but also the opportunity to educate and support others in achieving their health goals. It's a fulfilling way to make a positive impact on people's lives.
Dietary Directors typically earn a competitive salary, with a minimum of $93,600, a mid-range salary of $107,700, and a maximum of $122,500. This compensation reflects their expertise and responsibilities in managing dietary services, making it a well-paying position within the healthcare and food service sectors.
Generally speaking, managers earn salaries ranging from $40,000 to $112,000. In comparison, Dietary Directors have a minimum salary of $93,600, a mid-salary of $107,700, and a maximum salary of $122,500. This indicates that Dietary Directors typically earn more than managers, reflecting their higher level of responsibility and expertise.
The highest paid dietary aide positions typically include roles such as Dietetic Intern, Nutrition Services Aide, and Dietary Server, with salaries ranging from $26,000 to $33,000 annually. In contrast, a Dietary Director earns significantly more, with a salary range of $93,600 to $122,500, reflecting the advanced responsibilities and expertise required for the role.
Certified Dietary Managers (CDM) are nationally recognized experts in managing dietary operations across various settings, including health care, correctional facilities, schools, and the military. The salary for a Dietary Director typically ranges from $93,600 to $122,500, with a median salary of $107,700, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved in this role.
The salary for a Dietary Director typically ranges from $93,600 to $122,500, with a median salary of $107,700. This reflects the compensation for professionals in this role, which may vary based on experience and location.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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