Careers in Nutrition and Fitness

Do you have a passion for helping others reach their nutrition, fitness and wellness goals? If so, a career in the fitness and nutrition field may be right for you. Think you have to go for a master's degree to break into the field? Think again. Not all careers in the field require formal education; in fact, only two of the five careers mentioned below require a college degree.

Dietitian

Dietitians are responsible for improving the nutritional health of patients by assessing nutritional needs and creating healthy diet plans based on nutritional needs and weight loss goals. Dietitians hold employment through hospitals, private medical practices, public health and outpatient centers. A bachelor's degree in dietetics or food and nutrition and state certification is required to become a dietician. According to Payscale.com the average annual salary of a dietitian with one to four years of experience is between $36,394 and $46,982.

Nutritionist

Nutritionists and dieticians are closely related careers that take on the very same tasks. Nutritionists hold employment through hospital, nursing care facilities and public health agencies. A bachelor's degree in dietetics, food nutrition or a related field is required to become a nutritionist. The factors that distinguish two are certification. As mentioned above, all dieticians have to complete examination beyond college to become registered; nutritionists are not required to undergo additional training or certification beyond college. Additionally, the salary for a nutritionist can be up to $8,000 lower than that of a dietitian. According to Payscale.com the average annual salary of a nutritionist with one to four years of experience ranges from $28,260 to $40,663.

Personal Trainer

Personal trainers are responsible for helping their clients reach weight-loss and fitness goals. Traditionally, personal trainers hold employment through gyms and fitness centers. However, it is not uncommon for personal trainers to forgo the gym and start their own businesses. No formal education is required to become a personal trainer; however, certification is mandatory. According to Payscale.com the average annual salary of a personal trainer with one to four years of experience ranges from $23,784 to $36,520.

Yoga Instructor

Yoga instructors direct their students to physical and mental wellbeing through the Hindu originated practice. Yoga instructors may hold employment through gyms, spas and other health and wellness centers. To become a yoga instructor, you must become a registered yoga teacher. Completion of the program ranges from 200 hours to 500 hours. According to Payscale.com the average hourly wage of Yoga instructor with one to four years of experience ranges from $17.50 to $34.50.

Wellness Coach

A wellness coach guides clients towards improving their overall nutritional, physical and mental health. Wellness coaches are typically self-employed; however, some do hold employment through alternative health centers and private medical practices. There are no formal education requirements to become a wellness coach. However, expert knowledge and experience in the field and accreditation as becoming an accredited wellness coach lends great credibility. According to Payscale.com, the average annual salary of a wellness coach with one to four years of experience ranges from $33,059 to $44,182

Bureau of Labor Statistics
Payscale.com