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The Dietitian Salary Negotiation Guide

The Dietitian Salary Negotiation Guide

Can you make more money as a dietitian?

One of my favorite topics is how to get paid more as a dietitian. I'm sure you have also thought about this topic. There's even a podcast titled, Make MORE Money as a Dietitian.

We are all thinking about how to boost our salary as dietitians or dietitian nutritionists! But how we boost that salary is a different subject. Salary negotiation is not exactly a fun activity for most of us.

There might be many emotions when the topic of a dietitian's salary comes ups. Maybe you are thinking, should I be making more money? Does that other dietitian make more money that me? Did I give in to easily when I accepted the compensation package at my last job interview? Or maybe, why do I make so much money (let's talk!)?

Assuming that you want to learn how to position yourself to make more money as a dietitian, then read on for some simple strategies to negotiate your compensation in your favor as a dietitian.

Salary Negotiation Opportunities

When we are talking about salary negotiation, there are usually three work scenarios we are referring to: applying for a new job, getting a raise (or increase in compensation) in a current job, and pitching your business services if you are in business for yourself.

1. Salary negotiation when applying for a new job

This is an important time to negotiate as this is where you will make the biggest leap in your compensation. You can expect to increase your salary by 20% or more in a new job. You want to feel clear, prepared, and confident for the job interview so that you get the job too!

Enroll in the Course: Job Interview Prep and Confidence

2. Negotiating for a raise in a current job

With the right conversation and value-based evidence, you can aim for 3-10% annual salary increase. If a large salary increase is not an option, then negotiate other tangible perks as alternative compensation. See the big compensation checklist below.

3. Pitching a rate for your consulting services

The rate for your services will increase with more experience. Aligning your services with your client's needs are the key to your sales success. How you sell your services to that client will impact how you foster a business relationship, trust, and likability. If you check all those boxes with your new potential client then you will likely be more successful in working with that client, based on the rates you charge.

Salary Negotiation Opportunities

How to position yourself for an increase in compensation

Whether you are negotiating for a higher salary at your current job, interviewing for a new job, or pitching your own business and consulting services, there are a few key strategies to position yourself for success: researching the compensation for the job title, presenting yourself professionally, and leading with confidence. Know what your work or services merit, then bring your performance outcomes to the negotiation table. This is how you show your value!

Let's break it down:

1. Do your research by preparing

Do your research. Research the market value of the position; how do you fit in with that value based on your experience, your skills, your certifications, and proven expertise; where do you see yourself within that salary range. Know what people at your level making against cost of living.

Consult salary surveys. The AND Dietetic Salary Survey is a good place to start. Glassdoor salary reveals

Know the pay grades. Some larger companies, like Google or ARAMARK, have pay grades. Know what the range is and what your potential might be.

Know the job description. If your job description is tied to a pay grade then evaluate your performance and accomplishments and make sure they are documented. You might already be performing at the next pay grade!

Ask around. You can ask people what their salary range is at your office, at the new company if you have a contact there, or through industry social groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, or practice groups. If you ask a specific dollar number, they may feel uncomfortable, but if you pose the question in terms of a salary range, you might get a more honest answer. Know the industry and the company.

The right time to ask for a raise. Another consideration when doing your research if you are considering a raise in your current position is the health of the company. You want to ask for a raise at the appropriate time and for the appropriate value. Know what your company’s current economic standing is and align your request with the company earnings. For example, if the company is growing at only 5% in the last two quarters, then asking for a 10-15% raise is not in alignment with the company potential (unless you are not paid at the same value as your co-workers). Your could also ask to roll out an incremental raise, like 10% over 3 months.

When it comes time to talk about your next raise, talk to your manager 4-6 months before the review. Ask what you should have prepared, what should you bring to the table, how can you manage your growth, so that you can manage your next steps in the company.

2. Present yourself with confidence and with professionalism

I believe that this is actually the first step in positioning yourself for any situation involving money or compensation. Of course you need to research the situation first. But once you have done your research, then take the time and effort to make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are polished, modern, and speak to what you can offer. You can also align your professional profile with your career goals once you have done your research.

There have been a handful of times when I’ve looked at someone's resume or LinkedIn profile and saw that the profile looked a little sloppy, immature, or dated. I knew they were probably more polished because I was aware of all their accomplishments. But I also wondered that if I was in the position of hiring them, would their work quality also be unprofessional and dated (regardless of how long you have been working). Recruiters think the same. Recruiters might perceive your value as lesser and offer a compensation package that is of lesser value, as well.

Polish your professional profiles

3. Create confidence

Confidence when discussing money may or may not come naturally to you. Practice the conversations ahead of the interview or meeting to create a natural or confident feeling. Remember not to use invisible or "lessening" words, like "just" or "sorry" in your interview or your written communication. also practice confident posture and behavior.

4. Practice

Interviewing and talking about your accomplishments doesn't come easy for some. We have so few opportunities that we actually get to put all this information into practice. I've been a dietitian for 30 years and have negotiated my salary just a handful of times. That's why you need to practice these uncomfortable conversations ahead of actually having them. Over and over. I recommend role playing with a friend, a co-worker, or just by creating a video where you practice salary negotiation during a job interview or in a meeting with your boss.

Practice how you would respond to this question: “What did you make in your last role?” What is your current salary?”. Know that that question is Illegal in 19 states, and growing! If you don't want to advise the recruiter that the question is illegal then you can side step the question and redirect. Talk about the future, talk about what you can bring to the company, and the negotiating trick of repeating the last 3-4 words in their question phrased back as a question:

  • “What was I making in my last job? Let them respond to give you negotiation power
  • I don’t want to talk about the past, side step the discomfort the now and the future
  • If they ask you what you are thinking in terms of salary don’t offer a range, offer a value.
  • Keep in mind your walk-away salary/rate

5. Document your accomplishments

Keeping track of your accomplishments and value is crucial in demonstrating your worth when asking for a raise or a promotion or interviewing for a new job.

Being able to speak confidently about your value and accomplishments is also important. This comes from structuring your conversation in a way that gets to the point quickly. Practicing saying your accomplishments out loud helps tremendously!

Consider structuring your conversation like this:

  1. Your accomplishment
  2. How you achieved this, what steps you took and with what unique skills you used to make it happen
  3. The outcome, the result

Brag sheet or a work journal of your accomplishments

You want to approach your boss about your next compensation level several months in advance of your performance evaluation. Like 6 months in advance. What outcome do you want to see and how are you going to get there. Communicate this with your boss so that your goals are in alignment with each other. Make it known that you want a specific raise or compensation increase in exchange for meeting the goals of the company.

Keeping an ongoing work journal of your accomplishments, big and little (I have a free Work Journal Download); Career assessment or work journal

  • What metrics your company is measuring and how/when you delivered
  • Be ready to demonstrate your value, what you are doing, what you have contributed
  • Goals you want to accomplish that are in alignment with company goals and success metrics
  • Be able to demonstrate that you are meeting the requirements of your pay grade and the grade above you

Compensation Checklist

Whether you are negotiating for a new job or a pay raise at your existing job, your total compensation is not just your salary. Some companies have a pay range or an earnings schedule that may not support a bump or raise in your actual salary. But currency comes in many forms. Consider negotiating for compensation outside of your annual salary.

For example, If you are currently earning $85,000 and you are asking for an 8% salary raise ($6800) that your company cannot extend, then do the math to see what else they can include in your package. If they can offer a 5% raise to your salary, which would amount to $4250 then see what you could add to the package to make up for the difference of ~$2500. Be prepared to come to the table with ideas so that you both walk away happy. Employers have invested in their employees and want to retain them, within their power. Negotiation is a mutual conversation that should result in happy parties. After all, you aren't trying to bamboozle your employer!

Here is a list of other compensation elements that might make the deal sweeter.

  • 401k
  • 401k (matching)
  • Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance (life insurance)
  • Annual bonus
    • Childcare stipend
    • Certification or course tuition
  • Commuter assistance
  • Contingent or deferred bonus or bonus structure
  • Continuing education credits
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Equity
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Free parking
  • Gasoline or mileage reimbursement
  • Health insurance
  • Options and terms of the vesting
  • Paid time off
  • Health insurance
  • Healthcare or Health and Wellness stipend
  • Paid meals
  • Parental leave
  • Pet insurance
  • Professional development assistance
  • Reduced paid hours working but with addition of health insurance
  • Referral program
  • Reimbursement for one or more annual conferences (national and state)
  • Retirement plan
  • Roll out an incremental raise, like 10% over 3 months, based on performance.
  • Specific job title (which can help you in future endeavors)
  • Structure of hours at work, flexibility
  • Travel reimbursement
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
  • Wellness program
  • Utilities, such as cell phone, Internet access

Embrace the Silence and Have Patience

When negotiating or when having any uncomfortable conversation, embracing the silence can give you power and negotiating leverage. This is especially true when salary negotiating for a new job, where more money might be on the table.

  • Waiting and pausing between uncomfortable moments, Don't try to fill the uncomfortable silence with a giggle or filler words.
  • Once you receive an offer, take a day to accept, negotiate, or decline the offer. As soon as you have accepted an offer you can't ask for more.
  • When you ask, let them respond. Be ok with silence. Would you consider a salary of $100,000? Then silence.
  • Don’t shy away from negotiating, just practice the conversation with what you bring to the table.
  • I'll say it again, just practice out loud and in your mind, what you want to say so that it is expressed naturally and confidently. I also believe that if your words are practiced then you can create space to read the room better, and just be in a better power position.
  • A great motivating book is Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss (*affiliate link).
  • If they say no, then come back with, “Got it. When do you think it might be a possibility” or prepare the counter offer.

Examples of phrases to use in uncomfortable salary conversations

Don't you wish you had some examples of what to say when asked some uncomfortable questions? These might help!

  • [Rather than address your current or past salary] I am looking to be compensated at the level commiserate with the responsibilities of the role that is on par with my peers and competitive in the marketplace.
  • What reservations do you have about my experience or what I can bring to this company or this role?
  • Tell me more about the compensation package.

Could the employer ever rescind a job offer after the negotiation process?

A company could potentially retract a job offer after a salary negotiation, though it is relatively rare. Here are a few situations where this might happen:

  1. Salary Expectations Exceed Budget: If your salary demands are significantly higher than the company's budget, and neither side can reach a compromise, the company might decide that moving forward isn't feasible and withdraw the offer.
  2. Perceived Misalignment of Expectations: If the negotiation process leads the employer to feel that your expectations for salary, benefits, or job responsibilities are out of alignment with what they can offer, they might retract the offer to avoid future dissatisfaction or conflict.
  3. Aggressive Negotiation Tactics: If you comes across as overly demanding, unprofessional, or unwilling to compromise, the company may feel the negotiation signals potential difficulties in working together and rescind the offer.
  4. Company's Financial Situation Changes: In some cases, external factors like budget cuts or shifts in priorities within the company might cause them to pull back an offer, though this would usually be unrelated to the negotiation itself.
  5. Extended Negotiation Delays: If negotiations drag on for too long, the company may decide to retract your job offer and move on to another candidate who is ready to accept their terms.

To avoid a situation where an offer is rescinded, think about approaching salary negotiations professionally, focusing on clear, reasonable justifications for your requests, while showing flexibility and interest in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. Negotiations that are collaborative, rather than adversarial, are much less likely to lead to a withdrawn offer.

Dietitian Salary Tools

When you enter into a salary or compensation conversation, it's important to understand comparable and competitive salary ranges. Here's a list of dietitian salary tools to use, in additional to considering the entire compensation package when negotiating.

  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics RDN Salary Calculator. The Academy has an interactive salary calculator for U.S. RDNs that takes into consideration years of experience, geography within the United States, education, area of specialty, and more. It can be found here: RDN Salary Calculator Worksheet
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics NDTR Salary Calculator. The Academy has an interactive salary calculator for US NDTRs that takes into consideration years of experience, geography within the United States, practice area, and more. It can be found here: NDTR Salary Calculator Worksheet
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Compensation & Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession. The Academy regularly publishes this comprehensive survey of nutrition and dietetics practitioners, of core dietitian and dietetic technician jobs, broken down by region, education, experience, supervisory responsibility and more. It can be found here: Dietetics Compensation & Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession
  • Federal Government Pay Grades. The Federal Government in the U.S. publishes pay grades for government jobs, including jobs with the Veterans Administration facilities. It can be found here: Federal Government Pay Grade Schedules.
  • U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS. The Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections publishes and Occupational Outlook Handbook for Dietitians and Nutritionists. It can be found here: Occupational Outlook Handbook for Dietitians and Nutritionists. They also publish the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Dietitians and Nutritionists.

Enroll in the Course: Job Interview Prep and Confidence

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About the Author

Stacey Dunn-Emke, MS, RDN, is the Founder Owner of NutritionJobs and an established dietetic career expert. She helps steer dietetic and nutrition professionals to a successful job search process with the top-ranked dietetic job board platform, NUTRITIONJOBS. Stacey is the author of The Dietetic Resume Guide and numerous dietetic career action-ables. She gives the tools to create a modern standout dietetic resume to land that job interview, help with job interview prep, and with creating All-Star LinkedIn profiles. Stacey has interviewed and hired many dietitians and in running NutritionJobs since 2000, she has reviewed thousands of dietetic resumes. She works closely with dietetic hiring managers and recruiters to know what standout resume elements land a job interview.

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