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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Dietetic Support Specialists

Median Salary
62,189
Workforce Count
4,418

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Dietetic support specialists perform basic clinical dietetic functions in the dietary management and treatment of patients in nutrition clinics, clinical dietetics branches, health promotion campaigns, and wellness clinics. They perform nutritional assessments and screening of individual patients for nutritional risk. Dietetic support specialists also procure, store, prepare, and serve regular and therapeutic diets and nourishment.

What is the work environment like?

Dietetic support specialists normally work in clean, sanitary kitchens and dining facilities. They may sometimes work in refrigerated meat lockers. Sometimes they work outdoors in tents while preparing and serving food under field conditions.

How many people have this role in the Military?

4,418

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$92,419

2 Years

$67,619

6 Years

$92,419

10+ Years
Median Salary
62,189

Military Details

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for dietetic support specialists consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in food preparation. Training content may include:

  • Standard and dietetic menu planning
  • Food preparation and cooking
  • Basic nutrition
  • Storage of meats, poultry, and other perishable items
  • Dining service operations
  • Food and supply ordering
  • Assessment of a patient’s dietary requirements and restrictions
  • Food safety and sanitation

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Associate's degree

    34%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    26%

  • Some college

    14%

  • Less than high school

    9%

  • High school

    7%

  • Bachelor's degree

    6%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Dietetics/Dietitian
  • Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General
  • Dietetic Technician
  • Dietitian Assistant

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Administrative
  • English Language
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

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