How Much Do Nutrition Coaches Make?

If you're considering a career as a nutrition coach, one of the first questions you'll likely have is: What is the average nutrition coach salary? The answer varies based on factors like location, experience, and certification, but this guide will help you understand what to expect.

A nutrition coach is a great career for anyone interested in nutrition and diet, health goals, and working with people to build healthier habits. Of course, salary is an important consideration when choosing a career. How much you may earn as a nutrition coach depends on several factors. We’ll break some of these down to give you an idea of what to expect. 

What is Nutrition Coaching?

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track nutrition coaching as a career, it does look at nutritionists, dietitians, and fitness careers. (1, 2) All of these are growing, which means if you have an interest in nutrition, opportunities abound. 

Before diving into salaries, it’s helpful to understand the differences between similar career paths. Nutrition coaching and health coaching are similar but different from other related careers. Coaches primarily work with clients to evaluate their current choices, set goals, and take steps to achieve those goals. 

What Coaches Do

Coaches educate, motivate, plan, adjust plans, and assess and follow up with their clients. A health coach, also sometimes called a health and wellness coach, focuses on all areas of health, from fitness and healthy eating to stopping smoking or moderating drinking. 

Nutrition coaches do similar work, but they focus more on food and diet. They may have clients looking to lose weight, for instance. A client may also come to a nutrition coach for all kinds of other goals: building better eating habits, developing a plant-based diet, resisting cravings for junk food, and so on. 

What Coaches Cannot Do

It’s important to understand that the scope of practice for coaches is limited. Unlike registered dietitians, coaches cannot create a specific meal plan for clients. Coaches do not diagnose or treat medical conditions either. Because of this, they generally earn less than registered dietitians who have much more training and must be licensed. 

Nutrition Coach vs. Nutritionist

Another term that complicates the distinction between these careers is nutritionist. It can mean more than one thing. A nutrition coach may be called a nutritionist, with the same limited scope of practice. 

However, some dietitians are officially known as RDNs, or registered dietitian nutritionists. They may shorten the name to nutritionist. It’s important to be sure clients understand the distinction and the different scopes of practice. 

Building a career in health and nutrition takes a lot of learning, self-promotion, and hard work. Here’s a guide on how to get started in fitness and nutrition. 

How Much Do Nutrition Coaches Make on Average? 

Average nutrition coach salaries give you a good starting point for estimating how much you can earn in this career. There is a great deal of variety in salaries based on numerous factors: employer, self-employment, geographical area, certifications, and more. 

If not self-employed, nutrition coaches may work for healthcare companies, schools, insurance companies, gyms, hospitals, diet clinics, wellness centers, and large companies that offer coaching as an employee benefit. 

What is the Average Annual Salary for a Nutrition Coach in the U.S.? 

Several different job sites list average annual salaries for nutrition coaches. There is variation in these numbers, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. 

According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average salary for nutrition coaches is $43,836. (3) Glassdoor.com reports a higher salary of $53,129 per year for nutrition coaches. (4) Salary.com lists a median annual salary of $71,510 for nutrition coaches. (5)

ZipRecruiter also lists some of the highest-paying cities for nutrition coach jobs, which can be useful in determining where to work (3): 

• Nome, AK - $54,378

• Berkeley, CA - $53,674

• Redwood City, CA - $53,671

• Sitka, AK - $52,808

• Wyoming, WY - $52,280

• Justin, TX - $51,769

• San Francisco, CA - $51,646

How Much Do Nutrition Coaches Make Hourly? 

Job sites also list hourly rates for nutrition coaches. Payscale.com reports an average hourly rate of $24.57. (6) Ziprecruiter.com lists the nutrition coach's average hourly rate at $21.07. (3) You can go to most job sites and search on your location to find out what the average hourly and annual rates are for nutrition coaches. 

How to Increase Your Nutrition Coach Salary

An average is a useful starting point, but it’s important to understand that you could earn more or less than this. A lot of factors contribute to coaching salaries. Know these factors and you can earn more than average: 

• Certification. States do not require nutrition coaches to hold a certification or license. However, if you do complete a certification program that provides a recognized credential, you can command higher rates and get a better-paying job. 

• Specialization. Many certifying programs offer specializations, such as weight loss or weight management. With extra credentials, you can offer clients more services and get higher rates. 

• Working Independently. Nutrition coaching is a flexible career. You can find a job with a company or set out on your own. For the latter, you get to set your own rates. Potentially, you can earn more than as an employee, but you must be willing to do a lot of work to market your business and get new clients who will pay a higher rate. 

This post discusses all the factors you need to consider when setting your own rates as an independent nutrition coach. 

Real-World Examples of Nutrition Coach Salaries

Averages are useful up to a point. It’s also helpful to see what actual employers are offering for nutrition coaches around the country. These real examples from Indeed.com (viewed July 2021) give you an idea of real salaries and what types of companies are hiring nutrition coaches: 

• Nutrition and Fitness Online Coach for Laura Lambe Fitness, $1,500 to $6,000 per month

• Nutrition and Health Coach, Profile by Sanford, Rochester Minnesota, $17 to $21 per hour

• Personal Trainer/Nutrition Coach, Key Athletics, Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, $20 to $30 per hour

• Weight Loss Counselor/Wellness Specialist/Lifestyle & Nutrition Coach, Options Medical Weight Loss, Glenview, Illinois, $40,000 to $60,000 per year

• CrossFit Coach/Personal Trainer/Nutrition Coach, Second Wind Community Fitness, Washington, D.C., $25 to $75 per hour

• Health Coach (Nutrition and Weight Loss), MSP Wellness, Stow, Ohio, $16 to $21 per hour

• Nutrition Coach, Colfax Strong Strength and Conditioning, Denver, Colorado, $25 to $30 per hour

Make Nutrition Coaching Your Career

Nutrition coaching is a rewarding career. You get to work with people and help them get healthier. Following your passion is important, but you must still earn a living. Consider salaries, compare them to other careers, and when you’re ready, take the next step to build your dream career in coaching. 

To learn more about this career, check out the ISSA’s online program to become a Nutritionist. It’s the perfect starting point for turning your passion for nutrition into a lucrative career.

Resources

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitians and Nutritionists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm (visited January 16, 2025).

2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Fitness Trainers and Instructors, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm (visited January 16, 2025).

3. Nutritional Health Coach Salary. Zip Recruiter. (2025). Retrieved 16 January 2025, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Nutritional-Health-Coach-Salary.

4. Salary: Nutrition Coach in United States. Glassdoor. (2024). Retrieved 16 January 2025, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/nutrition-coach-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm

5. Nutrition Coach Salary. Salary.com. (2025). Retrieved 16 January 2025, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/nutrition-coach-salary

6. Nutrition Coach Hourly Pay | PayScale. Payscale.com. (2024). Retrieved 16 January 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nutrition_Coach/Hourly_Rate.