As of June 27, 2022, the average annual pay for a Nursing Home Dietary Aide in the United States is $51,096 a year, and this works out to be approximately $24.57 an hour.
This is the equivalent of $983/week or $4,258/month, and according to reports, dietary aides have gained quite a lot of prominence, as people have become more health and environment conscious.
Note that their assistance is not only sought by patients, but also by individuals who just want to stay healthy. They are known to guide people according to their dietary requirements; if they wish to gain or lose weight.
Dietary aides are hired by clinics and hospitals, sanatoriums, health clubs, where they are also tasked with overseeing the preparation of meals for patients. Also, note that they closely follow assigned recipes and notice how clients eat to be able to determine the right plan of action for the future.
Consultation is a primary part of a dietary aide’s work, where they interview patients to analyze their lifestyle needs and modifications and prepare crucial guidelines according to the head dietician’s instructions. They discuss with their patients about their food choices, interpret the kinds of food and beverages they should or should not consume.
Have it in mind that dietary aides work in both commercial and private nursing homes, where they carry out a key role in the healthcare industry. Most states require dietary aides to be equipped with a dietetic technician certificate to be able to qualify for the job.
A good number of dietary aides earn as high as $126,500 and some as low as $16,500, however, the majority of Nursing Home Dietary Aide salaries currently range from around $23,000 to $75,000 with top earners making $110,000 annually.
Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries and it continues to rise in employment numbers despite downturns in the current economy and its stunted growth.
Note that this increasing demand is responsible for the salaries of careers in nursing homes to continue to increase and the jobs market to continue in its upward growth. Nonetheless, the level of salary of a dietary aide often depends on many contributing factors some of which include:
Factors That Influence the Income of Dietary Aides in a Nursing Home
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Location
The mean annual wage for dietary aides varies based on the location of employment. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, topping the list is San Mateo, CA, with Berkeley, CA and Daly City, CA close behind in the second and third positions.
Daly City, CA beats the national average by $9,593 (18.8%), and San Mateo, CA furthers that trend with another $11,898 (23.3%) above the $51,096 average.
Importantly, San Mateo, CA has a moderately active Nursing Home Dietary Aide job market with only a few companies currently hiring for this type of role.
With these cities having average salaries higher than the national average, the opportunities for economic advancement by changing locations as a Nursing Home Dietary Aide appears to be exceedingly fruitful.
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The Level of Responsibility
Have it in mind that the regular day of a dietary aide consists of working under the dietary manager and assisting patients when they need it.
Even within this section of a nursing home, there are hierarchies and ideally, the income of a manager will greatly differ from the income of an aide, and this is very common in the healthcare industry.
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Work Experience
The salary of a dietary aide with 4 years’ experience ranges from $53,495 to $81,117 whereas a dietary aide with 20 years + experience makes around $97,553 to $105,774.
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Size of the Organization
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that compensation levels for dietary aides can vary according to the size of the facility.
Larger nursing homes tend to pay higher salaries than smaller organizations. The median salary for dietary aides in a Nursing home with six or less doctors was $56,459, with 7-25 doctors it was $69,000, and for practices with more than 26 doctors, the median salary was $97,726.
How to Be a Dietary Aide in a Nursing Home
Diet is a critical part of a patient’s recovery period. After he has recovered from an illness, a patient will require nutritional food in order to get back to his normal routine.
This is where a dietary aide steps in to guide them about their eating choices. Dietary aides in a nursing home need certain qualifications and are expected to take the following steps;
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Seek your Education
Most times, dietary aides only require a high school diploma or GED to start their careers. Some places may require contact qualifications or a school diploma, so check your local employment details and decide what level of education your employer prefers.
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Create The Right Work Experience
Have it in mind that related work experience is key to working on food support. Consider taking up a role in the food service or smaller establishments, such as group homes and maternities. You can also do volunteer work to use collaboration skills in these environments.
3. Acquire The Necessary Permissions
You are expected to seek permission from the active food handlers for help. Requirements vary from state to state, but appropriate training and certification are required to acquire the right food handling processes. In some states, first aid or CPR certification may be required from a dietician.
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Write Down Your Resume
Note that you are required to highlight the certifications and necessary abilities employers need, including prior knowledge, good communication skills, and knowledge of food restrictions. You can use your job description’s language to compare your expertise with your employers’ expectations accurately.
Conclusion
In most homes recruiting dietary aides, applicants are expected to have a minimum of high school diploma and at least one year of institution experience.
However, others may require the applicant to hold a degree in nutrition or a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Corresponding to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the dietary aide’s increment rate is 14% faster than the rate from 2018 to 2028 compared to other jobs.