Dietetic technicians
SOC Code: 29-2051
Dietetic technicians carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $37,040 and +2.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 30,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 27% AI exposure, Dietetic technicians sits 10 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 22% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Dietetic technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Dietetic technicians has ai exposure of 27%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Dietetic technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Dietetic technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Dietetic technicians (SOC 29-2051) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 30,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.5% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $37,040, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Dietetic technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Observe and monitor patient food intake and body weight, and report changes, progress, and dietary problems to dietician.
- 2. Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals' dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs.
- 3. Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
- 4. Supervise food production or service or assist dietitians or nutritionists in food service supervision or planning.
- 5. Plan menus or diets or guide individuals or families in food selection, preparation, or menu planning, based upon nutritional needs and established guidelines.
- 6. Determine food and beverage costs and assist in implementing cost control procedures.
- 7. Develop job specifications, job descriptions, or work schedules.
- 8. Refer patients to other relevant services to provide continuity of care.
- 9. Attend interdisciplinary meetings with other health care professionals to discuss patient care.
- 10. Provide dietitians with assistance researching food, nutrition, or food service systems.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Instructing
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Food Production
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Production and Processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Dietetic technicians?
Dietetic technicians has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Dietetic technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Dietetic technicians is projected to grow by 2.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 30,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Dietetic technicians?
Key skills for Dietetic technicians include Speaking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Dietetic technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Dietetic technicians is $37,040, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Dietetic technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Dietetic technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Dietetic technicians?
Dietetic technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).