How long does it take to become a dietetic technician?

Typically about two years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do dietetic technicians make?

The US median is $37,640 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a dietetic technician?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a dietetic technician?

375 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

🎓 My University View

Home › Careers › Dietetic technicians

How to become a dietetic technician

Healthcare (clinical) · SOC 29-2051

$37,640US median pay, 2025

+2.7%Projected growth, 2025–35

4,200Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Associate's degree
Work as a dietetic technician

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Dietetics/Dietitian	CIP 51.3101	147
Nutrition Sciences	CIP 30.1901	146
Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General	CIP 19.0501	142
Dietetic Technician	CIP 51.3103	21
Dietitian Assistant	CIP 51.3104	11

See the 375 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a dietetic technician?: Typically about two years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do dietetic technicians make?: The US median is $37,640 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a dietetic technician?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a dietetic technician?: 375 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

Related careers in Healthcare (clinical)

Registered nurses · Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses · Pharmacy technicians · Nurse practitioners · Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians · Psychiatric technicians · Dental hygienists · Medical records specialists