Salary of a Nutritionist in Alaska

By Joanna Pelletier, allied health world contributing writer
Published: June, 10 2010

Nutritionist Salaries in Alaska

According to the Alaska Department of Public Health, nearly 300,000 Alaskans die of obesity-related deaths. This statistic, when combined with the state's growing obesity rate, is one reason nutritionists are currently in demand in Alaska.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9 percent increase in nutritionist job availability over the next ten years. In May 2009, the mean annual salary for a nutritionist working in any state was $53,230 (http://www.bls.gov). The most recent mean salary for a nutritionist in Alaska fell at around $51,000, which falls just below the Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent data.

The average pay for a nutritionist in Alaska is based on her location, living costs, career level, and career path. A general nutritionist in Juneau will take in around $ 48,000, while a public health nutritionist in the same city will earn about $14,000 less. Nutritionists and public nutritionists in Eek and Anchorage, on the other hand, will have larger salaries. Nutritionists in Eek make an average of $54,000 per annum, and their public health counterparts make about $39,000.

When choosing a place to work, aspiring nutritionists should consider where they would be in the highest demand. Areas that have a high need for nutritionists in the community can provide the best job security, especially if the population in need is a large one.