Salary negotiation tips for dietitians 

The value of a compensation package is personal. When negotiating, it’s important to look at the whole package and weigh the benefits that matter most to you. Timing, preparation, and knowing what you value are key to building the ideal compensation package. Let’s dive into the top salary negotiation tips for dietitians. 

Negotiating a salary and compensation package is a normal part of the job-seeking process, and a step that shouldn’t be ignored. A salary is a fixed regular payment. A compensation package is a collection of benefits and pay.  

Why negotiating salary and compensation matters 

This topic can be intimidating for some dietitians. They may feel guilty asking for more money or other job perks because their jobs are to care for others, not take away from others. However, the physician and other clinicians sitting next to you at rounds? They absolutely negotiated their salary, and you can too. 

Preparation is key

Before entering into a compensation discussion, do some research on salary trends and market conditions. Consider work setting, specialties, and the cost of living. 

These resources have tried and true data to substantiate a request: 

• Compensation and Benefits Survey of the Dietetic Profession (Updated in 2024) 

• Bureau of Labor and Statistics Tools 

Consider professional networks, too. Facebook groups, LinkedIn pages, internship directors, recruiters, and colleagues are a wealth of information on trends and expectations in the current job market.  

Recruiters can be an untapped resource because they typically work with a variety of clients to fill a variety of positions. Conversations with a recruiter are casual and explorative, and they give candidates a behind-the-scenes look at a key subset of dietitian roles. 

Determine how negotiable the position is  

Consider what the hiring manager is looking for, and what skills they value. These will be listed in the job posting and are a reference point for how much room you personally have for negotiation. Certifications, additional responsibilities, multilingual skills, education, specialized training, and of course experience all play into how much room each unique candidate has to negotiate. 

For example, if the company is looking for a dietitian with both food service experience and clinical experience, and you have many years of both and at a senior level, you might have more leverage to negotiate than someone with only clinical experience.    

Know when and how to negotiate   

Knowing when to bring up the money factor is also an important part of negotiating. That discussion should come after several other factors outside of salary have been discussed and after an offer has been made. 

Remember that compensation packages can include a variety of perks in addition to a salary. If there’s no movement on salary, consider the following to boost overall compensation: 

• PTO: more days off = higher pay rate for the days you are working 

• If working weekends or holidays, negotiate fewer weekends and holidays 

• Higher employer contribution to your retirement (it’s free money!) 

• Professional development (conference registrations, continuing education, professional fees, specialty certifications, mentorships) 

• Additional training – sharpen your skills and advance your practice for free 

• An option for raises along the way if certain goals are met 

Ultimately, only you will know if the offer is worth accepting. It can help to think of a few “deal makers” and a few “deal breakers” ahead of time and use those when negotiating.  

Negotiating after a gap in employment 

Employment gaps happen because life happens, and they are not necessarily disqualifiers. Reflect on how time was spent and highlight transferable skills such as management, communication, initiative and attention to detail.  

Consider job shadowing to refamiliarize yourself with a certain work setting. The experience and time spent shadowing make for great interview conversation and can help with negotiations if recent hands-on experience is lacking.  

Job opportunities that are open to new grads can be a good place to start, too. Accepting an entry-level position with room for growth as skills grow is a fair negotiation option. And remember there are plenty of training resources available for dietitians.  

Use a recruiter   

The bottom line is if you still feel uncomfortable negotiating, try using a recruiter!  Recruiters can help you get your foot in the door AND negotiate for you. They’ve already done the research on both the position and the company and can advocate for you as they are in direct contact with the hiring manager.   

Recruiters can help you see past a salary to understand other areas of job satisfaction such as location, setting, job duties, upward movement, and quality of life. 

Final pro tips    

• Know the proper timing to start negotiating  

• To effectively negotiate, understand what actually goes into costs 

• Interest in a job is what matters most, never ask about pay first 

• You’ve got this! 

---

Dietitians On Demand is a nationwide staffing and recruiting company for registered dietitians, specializing in short-term, temporary, and permanent-hire positions in acute care, long-term care, and food service. We’re dedicated to dietitians and helping them enhance their practice and excel in the workplace. Check out our job openings, request your coverage, or visit our store today!

---