As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nutrition Technician I in the United States is $34,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Nutrition Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Nutrition Technician 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 Nutrition Technician 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition Technician 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 Nutrition Technician 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
|
$38,748 |
13%
|
|
Commitment
|
$36,690 |
7%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$36,347 |
6%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$36,005 |
5%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$35,662 |
4%
|
|
HACCP
|
$35,319 |
3%
|
Nutrition Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $36,562. While startup companies pay approximate $31,104.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $31,104 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $32,851 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $35,352 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $36,562 |
For Nutrition Technician 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, Nutrition Technician positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Nutrition Technician 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 | $39,434 | $19.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Nutrition Technician 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 Nutrition Technician I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $31,586 and $33,351).
Nutrition Technician 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 Nutrition Technician 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 Nutrition Technician 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 Nutrition Technician 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 Nutrition Technician 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 Nutrition Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
The highest paid technician role can vary, but for a Nutrition Technician, salaries range from $31,173 to $38,295 annually, with a mid-salary of $34,243. This positions them competitively among technical jobs, reflecting the importance of nutrition in healthcare and wellness.
Australia is a great option for nutrition jobs, offering respected courses and competitive salaries ranging from $31,173 to $38,295. The UK and US also provide excellent opportunities. Additionally, universities in the Middle East and Asian countries like Malaysia and Hong Kong have popular nutrition programs, making them viable choices for aspiring nutrition professionals.
Pay for Nutrition Technicians varies based on experience and qualifications. Typically, salaries range from $31,173 to $38,295, with a mid-point around $34,243. While some specialized roles may offer higher pay, reaching $100k is unlikely for this position. Benefits often include health insurance and other perks.
The highest salary that a Nutrition Technician can earn is $38,295 per year. This reflects the upper range of the salary data, indicating the potential for experienced professionals in the field.
The highest paid dietetic technician roles can significantly exceed the average salaries of Nutrition Technicians, which range from a minimum of $31,173 to a maximum of $38,295 annually. For instance, Registered Dietetic Technicians earn around $69,267, while Dietetic Aides and Dietary Workers make $44,073 and $41,423, respectively.
Becoming a licensed nutritionist typically takes around five years, which includes four years for a bachelor's degree and an additional year for an internship. Advanced licensure may require further education, such as a graduate degree. As a Nutrition Technician, you can expect a salary ranging from $31,173 to $38,295, with a median salary of $34,243.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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