How Much do CNSC Dietitians Make?

Did you know a specialty credential like Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) can get you 10-11% more pay? Based on the 2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession, the CNSC credential correlates with higher compensation for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).

What is CNSC?

The CNSC (Certified Nutrition Support Clinician) credential is a specialty certification for dietitians working with patients requiring nutrition support (e.g., tube feeding or parenteral nutrition). It signals advanced knowledge in this area.

Compensation Overview for RDNs with their CNSC

Median Hourly Wage: $37.98
Median Annual Total Cash Compensation (for full-time RDNs): $80,400
Wage increases with experience, education, responsibility level, and specialty credentials.

Impact of Holding a Specialty Certification

RDNs with specialty certifications (including CNSC) earn a median of $39.90/hr
RDNs without specialty certifications earn a median of $36.97/hr

That’s a $2.93/hr or $6,100/year difference for full-time work!

How the CNSC Credential Stands Out

CNSC ranks among the top specialty certifications by wage. Others like CSR (renal) and CDCES (diabetes) are also high, but CNSC is among the most held (9% of RDNs). In this increasingly competitive job market, it’s becoming harder to find good jobs (and even harder to find flexible, hybrid or fully remote work).

Why CNSC Credentials Matter

Not only can the CNSC credential earn you more money, many jobs (including coveted and extremely competitive remote home infusion jobs) require CNSC credentials. So, if you want to ditch in person work and vibe from your home office, the CNSC credential can help you land that dream job 🤩.

Takeaway

The CNSC credential clearly correlates with higher compensation—likely due to the specialized skills required and work in higher-acuity settings like hospitals or intensive care units. This is a valuable credential that many employers look for.

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Meet The Author

Sara Griffin, MS, RDN, CNSC is a currently practicing clinical dietitian specializing in critical care and nutrition support.

She has precepted dozens of interns, and has received accolades for her precepting work. Sara was selected as Colorado Dietitian of the Year, has been nominated for an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Excellence in Practice award, and holds her ASHP/ASPEN Nutrition Support Certificate. She is a CDR-certified CPEU provider.