Sports nutrition database
The location where a sports nutritionist works can have a significant impact on their salary. In regions with a high cost of living or where the demand for nutritionists is high, salaries tend to be on the higher end what are video slots. Consider the following:
As of 2025, the average salary for a sports nutritionist in the United States ranges between $55,000 and $90,000 per year, depending on factors like experience, location, and industry. The salary can fluctuate based on the type of work and whether you are employed in a high-paying industry such as professional sports, wellness centers, or private practice.
Furthermore, sustainability has emerged as a significant trend impacting dietary choices. Athletes are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, leading sports nutritionists to consider plant-based diets and local sourcing in their recommendations.
A sport nutritionist’s salary is largely dependent on their level of formal education, experience, specialized training, industry in which they work, and geographic location. As of May 2021, the states with the highest average salary for nutritionists included:
Sports nutrition jobs
Fitness-focused nutrition jobs can be found in many commercial gyms and fitness centers, as well as community centers such as YMCAs. Individuals will need at least a bachelor’s degree in a nutrition program to qualify for this type of job and in some cases a Registered Dietitian is required.
Additional certifications in the fitness industry can be beneficial for those working in fitness-focused nutrition. It can demonstrate the diversity of your knowledge and make you more marketable for fitness nutrition jobs which also might include duties such as personal training or group exercise instruction. For example, certifications in personal training or health and fitness instructing from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise are well known and respected in the field.
A nutritionist or dietitian working in a fitness setting provides nutrition consultations for members and offers eating plans for weight loss and improved health. In addition, the development of nutrition education programs, creating handouts and writing newsletter articles are all possible duties in this position.
Fitness-focused nutrition jobs can be found in many commercial gyms and fitness centers, as well as community centers such as YMCAs. Individuals will need at least a bachelor’s degree in a nutrition program to qualify for this type of job and in some cases a Registered Dietitian is required.
Additional certifications in the fitness industry can be beneficial for those working in fitness-focused nutrition. It can demonstrate the diversity of your knowledge and make you more marketable for fitness nutrition jobs which also might include duties such as personal training or group exercise instruction. For example, certifications in personal training or health and fitness instructing from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise are well known and respected in the field.
Degree in sports nutrition
More than ever, professional and college-level sports organizations are acknowledging the importance of exposing their athletes to more nutrition conscious lifestyles. In fact, recently the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has joined forces with the Collegiate & Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA) and the Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN) to more actively promote nutritious lifestyles among its athletes.
As a sports dietitian, you should never stop learning. You should also keep an open mind. A curiosity about athletics, nutrition, and how to best support your clients is the best way to help athletes and continue advancing in your career.
Dr. Buns’s research examines the mechanisms of expertise in sport and the psychological and cognitive factors associated with motor skills. Dr. Buns has published more than 25 scholarly articles in sport and exercise science and is the founding editor of the Track and Cross Country Journal. Learn more about Dr. Buns here.
For me personally, I began getting experience at a young age. I was a sophomore in high school when I first shadowed a sports RD. Throughout college, I worked as a student intern in the athletic department and also became certified through ACSM as a personal trainer to get more hands-on experience working one-on-one with clients.
