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How much do dieticians and nutritionists cost in 2024?

The average cost of a nutritionist or dietician is
$50 - $100 per hour

depending on which expert you go for, your goals, and where you live.

Want to live a healthier lifestyle with help of a nutritionist or a dietitian, but not sure how much it will cost you? Read our handy guide to find out how much you’ll pay depending on your needs.

The average cost of consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian varies based on several factors, including the practitioner's level of expertise and credentials, your location, and the complexity of the dietary advice or plans you require. On average, individual sessions with a nutritionist or dietitian can range from $50 to $100 per hour, with specialized services potentially costing more. Many professionals offer package deals or discounts for long-term programs, which can make ongoing support more affordable. While this might seem like a significant investment, working with a highly qualified expert can lead to better health outcomes and a more personalized and effective nutrition plan.

There’s a lot more to consider when budgeting for nutrition services, so if you're curious about the costs, we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for hourly rates, package deals, or strategies to make the most of your investment, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview.

For personalized quotes based on your specific needs, discover how much nutritionists and dietitians cost in your area with Bark.

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Nutritionist vs. dietitian

When it comes to all things food, the terms ‘nutritionist’ and ‘dietitian’ are often used interchangeably. But what is the difference between the two, and more importantly, which option should you choose? 

In the US, a nutritionist refers to an individual who can offer nutritional advice. On the other hand, a dietitian is an expert in the field of dietetics which specifically looks at the effects of diet on health and medical conditions. To certify as a registered dietitian in the US, it’s necessary to obtain a bachelor’s degree, complete supervised experience, and pass a national exam. 

Nutritionists often work on a freelance basis and some also work alongside dietitians within a clinical setting. The practice as a whole combines elements of biochemistry, physiology, and research methods that relate to the science of nutrition. 

How much do nutritionists and dietitians charge? 

To help you understand the difference in price between nutritionists and dietitians, we’ve put together a breakdown of rough costs so you can choose the right specialist for your budget: 

How much does a Nutritionist Cost?
Type of professionHighest average price (per hour) Lowest average price (per hour)
Nutritionist$150$50
Dietitian $300$50

What impacts the cost of a nutritionist and dietitian? 

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 The cost of a nutritionist or dietitian is impacted by a few key factors, including:  

  • Whether you opt for a nutritionist or dietitian 

  • Where you live

  • How many visits you need

Whether you opt for a nutritionist or dietitian

As they are not qualified to give nutritional advice concerning certain medical conditions, nutritionists are the cheapest option to access, starting at around $50. But if you are just looking to feel healthier in your day-to-day life, then a nutritionist is a suitable option. 

Starting at $100 on average per hour, dietitians are at the higher end of the pricing scale. Freelance dietitians may offer half or full-day appointments, which start at $500 and can jump up to $2,000 a day for the most experienced professionals. 

However, if you need expert advice for a particular medical condition, then it’s well worth investing in a dietitian to maintain your health.  

Where you live 

Your location is another factor to impact price. If you happen to live in a larger city and area with a higher cost of living generally, then your nutritionist will probably charge higher rates (we’re looking at you, New York!). 

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How many visits you need

After your initial consultation, your nutritionist or dietitian will be able to advise you on how many sessions you’ll need. If you need multiple sessions they may offer a discount for a block booking, which will reduce the hourly rate. Alternatively, you can pay per session if you don’t have the money to pay for multiple sessions upfront, but this may cost you more overall.

Allergies or dietary restrictions 

Switching up your diet is a huge step, and while it can produce amazing results it does need to be done in accordance with any allergies or dietary issues you have. It’s important to flag any food allergies to your dietitian or nutritionist so that they can incorporate this into your plan. 

If you’re not sure whether you have any allergies, it’s advisable to take a food allergy test. This can cost anywhere between $50 - $1,000 depending on the type of test you need. 

Goals

When pricing up the cost of a nutritionist or dietitian, it’s always helpful to have a list of goals in mind. For example, are you looking to lose weight, train for a marathon, or to reduce inflammation in the body? 

Understanding what you want to achieve from the get-go will help you to make sure you and your nutritionist or dietitian are working towards the same goal, which will reduce the time needed to get there. 

Every nutritionist will focus on a different area of specialism, so it’s important to know what you want to get out of the experience so you can choose the right professional for the job.

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Lifestyle

Food and lifestyle are closely linked. Your nutrition or dietitian must have a solid understanding of your diet, especially if you eat a lot of unhealthy foods, as this could severely impact your progress.  

To ensure you’re eating the right foods, your expert will probably suggest meal prepping. While this does take time to organize it will ensure you stay on track with your nutrition. What's more from a price perspective, meal prepping will save you a lot of money in the long run. Especially compared to expensive takeouts!

Exercise

Diet and exercise go hand in hand. In terms of your nutrition plan, the specialist you see will need to factor in how many calories you are realistically burning. After all, if you are very active then you’ll need to ensure your calorie intake is enough to sustain this, otherwise, you could end up feeling fatigued.

Even a brisk walk or taking the stairs instead of the elevator will support the work you put in with your nutritionist or dietitian. However, it’s also important to be honest if you have no desire to exercise as the plan could be tailored incorrectly for your needs. If you want to get started with a sensible exercise regime but have no idea where to begin, you might want to consider paying for a personal trainer.

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Hiring a nutritionist or dietitian - is it worth the cost? 

As the old saying goes, ‘you are what you eat’. If your diet isn’t making you feel energized and healthy, then a nutritionist is just what you need to set you on the right path towards a healthier lifestyle. Alternatively, if your dietary issue is related to a specific medical condition,  then a dietitian will be better value for money as they are most equipped to tailor your plan to treat the issue. Either way, investing in your diet could help you save money in the long run by avoiding the wrong foods. It will also ensure you feel your absolute best.

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