Skills, Satisfaction, and Future Recommendations for Salary and Benefit Negotiation Success Among Nutrition and Dietetics Professionals in the United States

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of nutrition and dietetics professionals in the United States related to salary and benefit (S&B) negotiation. There is a lack of tools and training to assist in S&B negotiations within the nutrition profession. This study is the first to analyze these variables to formulate solutions for working professionals. METHODS: Nutrition and dietetics professionals (N = 1239), 22 to 90 years of age, completed a 32-question, web-based survey in the late spring of 2021. Study information was disseminated via professional organization mailing lists, Dietetic Practice Groups, State dietetics groups, and social media pages/groups. Survey items addressed experience with, confidence in, interest in advancing skills to negotiate S&B, and past successes with negotiation. RESULTS: Participants were mostly white (90.2%), female (94.5%), Registered Dietitian (RD) (96.8%). Clinical nutrition practitioners had significantly lower salary satisfaction, experience, confidence, and negotiation success (p < 0.001) than all other practice areas but had a significantly higher interest in advancing S&B negotiation skills (p = .017). Those making $100,000 or more per year had the most negotiation experience, found the possession of negotiation skills to be the most valuable (p = 0.049), and had significantly more negotiation success (p < 0.001) than those making less than $74,000 per year. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds new and vital negotiations, with tailored training for success in different practice areas of nutrition and dietetics. information to the body of literature on S&B negotiation in the nutrition and dietetics profession. Early education, exposure, and empowerment are key factors in improving the negotiation experience. Future efforts by nutrition-focused professional organizations should aim to create continuing education opportunities to advance skills and confidence in S&B. FUNDING SOURCES: None.