How to become a Nutritionist

Integrates, disseminates and applies knowledge drawn from the relevant sciences to enhance positive effects of food on the health and wellbeing of human populations.

Main tasks

• Plans, implements and evaluates public health nutrition policies, programs and initiatives
• Assesses the nutritional needs of individuals and groups, and develops customised nutrition plans such as dietary modification and supplementation, to promote health and prevent, or support the remediation of, illness or disease
• Explains the relationship between nutrition and health to attain and maintain people's health
• Conducts research on the relationship between nutrition and health
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of nutrition plans
• Provides guidance on food selection and preparation to individuals and groups
• Develops and delivers nutrition education materials and presentations
• Provides primary and secondary health care in settings that include community health centres and specialised clinics

Ways in

• University: Allied Health degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
• University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $86,684 a year
• About 10,900 people work in this job group now, and about 14,200 are projected by 2035. (+30.4%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Nutritionist?

Ways in include: Allied Health degrees; Science degrees.

How much does a Nutritionist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $86,684 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Nutritionist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 30% by 2035, from about 10,900 to about 14,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Nutritionist?

Usually. 75% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Nutritionist?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04