📱 Install Findmino as an app for the best experience!

Which studies lead to becoming a Dietetic Technician?

Back to all jobs
Medical & WelfareStable

Dietetic Technician

Operational-level

Also known as: Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Child Nutrition Assistant, Clinical Dietetic Technician, Cook Chill Technician (CCT)

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.
DieteticsNutritionFood Service ManagementNutritional CounselingHealthcareHealth EducationAllied HealthPatient CareMedical Careers

A Day in the Life

You arrive at Memorial Hospital, clocking in and heading to the nutrition office. You change into your scrubs, grab your badge, and log into your workstation. The Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, Epic, lights up as you review new patient admissions, upcoming discharges, and any urgent diet order changes for your assigned units. You then check the hospital's food service management software, Computrition, to confirm the day's menu cycle and ingredient availability for special diets. A quick briefing with the kitchen supervisor reviews staffing and any potential shortages.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+2.7%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

4,200

per year (US)

Jobs today

32,100

in 2025 → 32,900 (2035)

Typical entry education

Associate's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Moderate
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career has a stable outlook, with about 4,200 job openings expected each year through 2035 and projected employment growth of 2.7%. The median annual wage for Dietetic Technicians is around $37,640. With further education and experience, you can advance to roles such as a Registered Dietitian or Food Service Manager.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Dietary Aide
  • Food Service Assistant
  • Kitchen Helper

Where it can lead

  • Registered Dietitian
  • Nutritionist
  • Food Service Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely automate routine tasks like data entry, dietary screening, and basic meal planning for Dietetic Technicians, increasing efficiency and accuracy. This shift will enable technicians to focus more on direct patient interaction, education, and implementing personalized care plans developed with AI assistance. Their role will evolve to incorporate AI tools, requiring new skills in interpreting data and managing technology for enhanced patient support.