Applied Nutrition vs Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach
Key Points:
- Applied Nutrition focuses on creating content and optimizing websites; Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach work directly with clients to improve their health and fitness.
- Applied Nutrition may offer higher salaries, but Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach can earn more through client fees and commissions.
- Applied Nutrition jobs are more widely available, while Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach positions may be more location-specific.
- Applied Nutrition requires strong writing and SEO skills, while Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach need certifications in their respective fields.
- Applied Nutrition training can be done online, often at a lower cost and shorter duration, while Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach training typically requires in-person programs and can be more expensive and time-consuming.
When it comes to the field of nutrition and fitness, there are several career paths that individuals can choose from. Two popular options are becoming an applied nutritionist or a personal trainer and nutrition coach. While both of these roles involve helping individuals improve their health and well-being through nutrition and exercise, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore what applied nutrition and personal training and nutrition coaching entail, the differences between them, and the education and career outlook for each.
Applied Nutrition vs Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach: Career Outlook and Salary
Applied Nutritionist:
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- The median annual wage for dietitians and nutritionists was $63,090 in May 2020, according to the BLS.
Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach:
- The BLS does not provide specific data on personal trainers and nutrition coaches, but it does report that the employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, also much faster than the average for all occupations.
- The median annual wage for fitness trainers and instructors was $42,510 in May 2020, according to the BLS.
Final Thoughts
Both applied nutritionists and personal trainers and nutrition coaches play important roles in helping individuals improve their health and well-being through nutrition and exercise. While applied nutritionists primarily focus on the science of nutrition and its application to promote health, personal trainers and nutrition coaches have a broader focus that includes exercise programming and physical fitness. The education and training requirements for each role differ, with applied nutritionists typically holding a degree in nutrition or a related field, and personal trainers and nutrition coaches often pursuing certifications in personal training and nutrition coaching. The career outlook for both roles is positive, with strong projected growth in employment opportunities. Ultimately, the choice between becoming an applied nutritionist or a personal trainer and nutrition coach depends on an individual's interests, skills, and career goals.
Pia Yapjoco is part of the school growth and sales team at Dreambound. She helps facilitate school partnerships that expand educational opportunities for aspiring students in allied health and other trades. Beyond work, she curates her pup's Instagram, hunts for hidden coffee gems, and escapes into cozy gaming.
