Compensation for metabolic dietitians practicing in the United States: 2023 genetic metabolic dietitians international professional status survey

Abstract

Background

Genetic Metabolic Dietitians International (GMDI) conducted a professional status survey of metabolic dietitians working in the United States to describe job satisfaction and establish salary and compensation benchmarks specific to metabolic dietitians.

Methods

The survey was anonymously administered in a web-based format via REDCap between October and November 2023. Registered dietitians working with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) were eligible to participate.

Results

A total of 178 surveys were received and 147 were included in the final analysis. Most respondents were female (96 %), worked in a clinical setting (83 %), and held a graduate degree (75 %), while 30 % had one or more board certifications and 8 % were faculty. Respondents specialized in genetic metabolic nutrition for a median of 6 years (IQR 2–15). Overall satisfaction with one's professional focus in IEM was high among respondents (87 %), though 40 % reported dissatisfaction with earnings potential in their current position.

The median annual, full-time salary for US-based metabolic dietitians in all work settings was $80,400 (IQR $67,100-96,000). After excluding dietitians working in the pharmaceutical and/or nutrition industry (n = 14), the median annual salary decreased to $76,200 (IQR $66,700-91,000). Increased years' experience, responsibility (e.g., supervisor), expertise (i.e., board certification), and categorization as a Level II dietitian or higher were associated with higher annual salary.

Conclusion

The results of the 2023 GMDI Professional Status Survey provide insight into the current compensation and benefits of metabolic dietitians practicing in the US. These data can be used to support individual efforts to secure equitable compensation for the metabolic dietitian's critical role in the medical nutrition therapy for individuals with IEM.