Finding a rewarding career isn’t difficult when it involves working with kids, and nothing is more satisfying than finding a job that pays well too. According to childstats.gov, the United States had an estimated 74 million children in 2022, and this number is expected to rise to 78 million by 2050.
With such a rise in children being born, employment for those working in child-focused professions is in demand and more important than ever. Professionals are needed in all areas, from education and government to therapy and healthcare. Individuals who choose to work in child-related services are compassionate and hard-working people with a goal to make a difference in their everyday lives. Choosing one of these career paths means taking on the responsibility to bring a quality of life to thousands of children as you help their growth and development in an array of different aspects of life.
With all that being said, the following are just a few of the highest-paying jobs that involve working with kids.
Child Psychiatrist
Child psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry in the field of medicine. Its main goal is to study and treat children’s mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illnesses like those caused by drugs or alcohol. They may also do these things with the support of other medical professionals. They evaluate both the physical and mental problems that a patient is experiencing. Child psychiatrists also make treatment plans for their patients, judging how a child behaves and helping treat conditions like attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorder, and eating disorders. According to Indeed, child psychiatrists make an average national salary of $256,562; with this being the average, many make more or less.
Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentists provide assistance in the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases that affect children. They also give advice and instructions on how to give dental care in the best way. A pediatric dentist’s job may include fixing cavities and tooth decay, removing or fixing broken teeth, and putting whitening gels or sealants on patients’ teeth. In addition, these experts give out anesthetics before dental procedures, look at dental x-rays to find problems, write prescriptions for antibiotics and other dental medicines, and give patients advice on what to eat, how to brush and floss, and do other things to keep their teeth healthy. According to Indeed, the average national salary for a pediatric dentist is $209,014, but many make more or less than this.
Pediatrician
Pediatricians are medical professionals who focus primarily on the care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Children go through a period of rapid mental and physical development as they get older, which is something that needs to be monitored and measured by a pediatrician. The basic tasks of a pediatrician include the prevention of disease, the diagnosis of medical conditions, and the care of behavioral, developmental, and physical challenges that are experienced by children. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national average income for a pediatrician is $170,480, however, the reality is that many make far more or significantly less than this.
Speech Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists, who are also called speech therapists, evaluate, diagnose, and treat adults and children with speech and swallowing problems. A stroke, hearing loss, brain injury, cleft palate, autism, Parkinson’s disease, or a delay in development can cause these disorders. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that 40% of speech-language pathologists work in state and local academic institutions. Speech-language pathologists analyze how challenging it is to speak, talk, and swallow and figure out the best way to support their clients. They also make personalized treatment plans for each patient, teach children and adults how to make sounds, and help children and adults improve and retain their speech fluency. Indeed reports that the average annual pay for a speech-language pathologist in the United States is $116,385 dollars.
Pediatric Registered Nurse
For any adult, but particularly for those who have a soft spot in their heart for kids, there is no greater reward than to see the smile return to a child’s face after they have been helped to regain their health and vigor after suffering an illness or injury. Pediatric nurses evaluate and document the patient’s medical status, as well as provide therapy and manage medication administration. In addition to this, they assist in the development of patient care plans or the improvement of existing plans, the performance of diagnostic tests, the explanation of home care plans to patients, and the instruction of patients or the patient’s immediate families on how to treat illnesses or injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a pediatric registered nurse in the United States makes an average of $77,600 per year.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists that specialize in pediatric dentistry check the oral health of children for conditions such as gingivitis and give the necessary preventive care. Pediatric dental hygienists do more than just clean patients’ teeth of tartar, plaque, and stains. They also take dental x-rays, have them developed, check patients’ oral health, and report their findings to the dentist. They also teach patients how to take care of their teeth and keep records of their care and treatment plans. They are there when the dentist is performing procedures such as cleaning teeth, fixing cavities, or pulling teeth. Some pediatric dental hygienists are able to administer anesthesia (Novocain). The median annual income for a dental hygienist in the United States is $77,810, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Juvenile Justice Lawyer
In court, juvenile justice attorneys represent minors. They work with teens who are suspected of committing crimes or act as child advocates, defending kids in cases like child abuse and neglect, child trafficking, child labor exploitation, foster care, and adoption. To obtain a law license in the field of juvenile justice, one must complete the same educational requirements as those for other types of law licenses. They have the opportunity to work in a variety of practice areas, including non-profit organizations that advocate for children, direct representation through Law Services and Legal Aid offices, state and federal agencies, private and public legal companies, and so on. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical yearly salary for a juvenile justice lawyer in the United States is $127,990.
School Principal
The principal is accountable for managing the day-to-day operations of the school, including the coordination of the curriculum, the administration of the staff, and the provision of a learning environment that is secure, friendly, and productive. Their responsibilities include managing the staff and activities of the school, establishing and supervising class schedules, developing, instituting, and preserving academic standards, assessing and reviewing the performance of teachers, meeting with parents and educators to discuss student issues, organizing staff development programs and workshops, and managing the school’s budget, expenses, and supplies. This is all done for the benefit of the students who are enrolled in the school that the principal is responsible for. The average annual pay for a principal in the United States is $98,420, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
School and Career Counselor
School counselors are entrusted with assisting students in developing intellectual and social skills that are crucial to their academic performance, whereas career counselors assist students in exploring careers or selecting an education program that would lead to a specific career. They identify challenges influencing students’ academic performance, analyze students’ interests and talents through interviews and aptitude tests, and collaborate with parents, teachers, and administrators to assist students in achieving success. In addition, they assist students in understanding and overcoming behavioral and social issues and in formulating plans to reach their academic objectives. They also serve a crucial role in assisting teachers and students in addressing issues like bullying and substance addiction. According to BLS, the average annual salary for a school and career counselor in the United States is $60,510.
Child Psychologist
A child psychologist is trained professionally and clinically to assess and treat the mental, social, emotional, and behavioral health of babies, toddlers, children, and teens. When working with children and adolescents, child psychologists employ a vast array of techniques and skills, such as using testing and evaluation to assess psychological, cognitive, intellectual, and behavioral disorders. Utilizing therapies like psychotherapy (talk therapy) and behavioral interventions Developing preventative programs such as anti-bullying, anti-addiction, and anti-teen pregnancy initiatives A child psychologist often collaborates with other pediatric professionals and healthcare providers. Frequently, child psychologists are incorporated into the complete care of children with medical conditions. For instance, they may assist children with sleep issues or chronic discomfort, as well as those coping with a chronic illness. According to Indeed, a child psychologist’s average annual pay in the United States is $93,341.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
A pediatric occupational therapist aids in the achievement of significant developmental milestones. Occupational therapy for children is focused on assisting them in acquiring the necessary skills to become healthy, independent individuals. They help kids develop daily skills such as cleaning their teeth, coloring, drawing, writing their name, and getting along with their peers. Occupational therapists that work with children take a holistic approach. They are attempting to determine the cause of the delays or restrictions. They pay particular attention to a child’s gross and fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, social development, and self-care competence. All of these skills and abilities contribute to a child’s development into a healthy, well-developed adult. The average yearly salary for a pediatric occupational therapist in the United States, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $85,570.
Elementary School Teacher
Teachers in elementary schools are prepared to instruct students in grades kindergarten through fifth. They are in charge of the students’ academic and emotional growth in the classroom, as well as the organization and use of educational materials and resources. This profession requires communication, patience, originality, and vigor. Their responsibilities include designing lesson plans, grading homework and assessments, and responding to student inquiries. Elementary teachers must be able to effectively manage a classroom, communicate with and instruct one or more subjects, and adhere to school procedures. They are responsible for monitoring the development of each student and offering additional guidance to those who require it. Additionally, they should implement school rules and promote positive student behavior outside of the classroom. According to BLS, the average salary for an elementary school teacher in the US is $61,350 per year.
Behavioral Specialist
A developmental-behavioral specialist has the training and experience to figure out what’s wrong with a child’s development, learning, or behavior and to help them get better. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians have the skills and experience to look at and treat the medical and psychological parts of developmental and behavioral problems in children and teens. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians evaluate, counsel, and treat children, teens, and their families with a wide range of developmental and behavioral problems, such as learning disorders, attention disorders, Tourette’s syndrome, developmental disabilities like autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy, and problems related to delayed development. The average annual compensation for a behavior specialist in the United States, as reported by Indeed, is $133,756.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
A pediatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced practice who specializes in the care of newborns, babies, toddlers, adolescents, and young people. Pediatric nurse practitioners focus on taking care of healthy children as well as preventing or treating common short-term and long-term illnesses in children. Like all nurse practitioners, pediatric nurse practitioners have a master’s or doctoral degree and are board-certified by an accredited certifying body. A pediatric nurse practitioner can be found in a range of practice settings, such as pediatric offices, hospitals, specialty clinics, school-based clinics, and urgent care or walk-in clinics. The average yearly salary for a pediatric nurse practitioner in the United States is $129,680, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists are licensed mental health practitioners who have obtained training in psychotherapy in addition to training in the dynamics of families. Therapists are trained to assist individuals, couples, and families in overcoming challenging circumstances, reconciling disagreements, and coping with mental or emotional difficulties. Marriage and family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the actions of all members of the family as well as how those behaviors influence individuals and the relationships between those individuals. However, despite the fact that the majority of the treatment is directed toward the couple’s relationship or the family as a whole, individual counseling sessions are frequently helpful to the process as a whole and will be advised as such. According to Indeed’s data, the annual salary of a marital and family therapist in the United States is approximately $68,789.
Pediatric Audiologist
A pediatric audiologist is a medical professional who treats pediatric patients with hearing, balance, or speech impairments. They are trained experts who utilize a variety of diagnostic procedures to identify the cause of the issue and then determine the most effective treatment. Pediatric audiology is a type of health care provided to newborns and young children with hearing or sound recognition difficulties. Audiologic intervention includes both diagnostic and rehabilitation services. These are used to determine what type of hearing loss someone has and how severe it is so that the appropriate treatment can be provided. Early detection of hearing issues is crucial for a child’s optimal speech and language development, as well as social growth. According to Indeed’s research, a pediatric audiologist’s annual salary in the United States is roughly $82,526.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Physical therapists who specialize in pediatrics are specially trained to improve the lives and daily functions of children with a wide variety of injuries and congenital problems. A pediatric therapist’s role is to collaborate with the child and their family to help each kid realize his or her maximum potential for independent functioning and to promote active involvement at home, in school, and in the community. Pediatric patients include infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, teenage competitive athletes, ages 0 to 18, and adolescents with childhood illnesses. The objective of the pediatric physical therapist is to evaluate and treat deficiencies in motor skills by helping children develop the strength and range of motion they need to navigate their environment efficiently. Along with evaluating flexibility, strength, stance, stride, sensory processing, balance, coordination, and skill, pediatric therapists are also trained to evaluate motor development using age-equivalent standardized tests. The average annual pay for a pediatric physical therapist in the United States, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $95,620.
Pediatric Nutritionist/Dietitian
Pediatric nutritionists or dietitians develop individualized meal plans for children based on their physical and medical ailments; they also assist children with picky eating habits; they devise weight-management programs for children; they provide nutritional assistance to children with a variety of conditions, and they work with children during the shift from feeding tubes to mouth feeding or eating. To enjoy doing this daily, a person must be good with children and have strong communication qualities. Due to the role they play in establishing patient nutritional programs, it is of the utmost importance to have a comprehensive awareness of the patient’s present health status and any food allergies they may have. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a pediatric nutritionist/dietitian in the United States earns a mean annual salary of $61,650.
Finding a rewarding career isn’t difficult when it involves working with kids, and nothing is more satisfying than finding a job that pays well too. According to childstats.gov, the United States had an estimated 74 million children in 2022, and this number is expected to rise to 78 million by 2050.
With such a rise in children being born, employment for those working in child-focused professions is in demand and more important than ever. Professionals are needed in all areas, from education and government to therapy and healthcare. Individuals who choose to work in child-related services are compassionate and hard-working people with a goal to make a difference in their everyday lives. Choosing one of these career paths means taking on the responsibility to bring quality of life to thousands of children as you help their growth and development in an array of different aspects of life.
With all that being said, the following are just a few of the highest-paying jobs that involve working with kids:
Child Psychiatrist
Child psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry in the field of medicine. Its main goal is to study and treat children’s mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illnesses like those caused by drugs or alcohol. They may also do these things with the support of other medical professionals. They evaluate both the physical and mental problems that a patient is experiencing. Child psychiatrists also make treatment plans for their patients, judging how a child behaves and helping treat conditions like attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorder, and eating disorders. According to Indeed, child psychiatrists make an average national salary of $256,562; with this being the average, many make more or less.
Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentists provide assistance in the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases that affect children. They also give advice and instructions on how to give dental care in the best way. A pediatric dentist’s job may include fixing cavities and tooth decay, removing or fixing broken teeth, and putting whitening gels or sealants on patients’ teeth. In addition, these experts give out anesthetics before dental procedures, look at dental x-rays to find problems, write prescriptions for antibiotics and other dental medicines, and give patients advice on what to eat, how to brush and floss, and do other things to keep their teeth healthy. According to Indeed, the average national salary for a pediatric dentist is $209,014, but many make more or less than this.
Pediatrician
Pediatricians are medical professionals who focus primarily on the care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Children go through a period of rapid mental and physical development as they get older, which is something that needs to be monitored and measured by a pediatrician. The basic tasks of a pediatrician include the prevention of disease, the diagnosis of medical conditions, and the care of behavioral, developmental, and physical challenges that are experienced by children. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national average income for a pediatrician is $170,480, however, the reality is that many make far more or significantly less than this.
Speech Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists, who are also called speech therapists, evaluate, diagnose, and treat adults and children with speech and swallowing problems. A stroke, hearing loss, brain injury, cleft palate, autism, Parkinson’s disease, or a delay in development can cause these disorders. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that 40% of speech-language pathologists work in state and local academic institutions. Speech-language pathologists analyze how challenging it is to speak, talk, and swallow and figure out the best way to support their clients. They also make personalized treatment plans for each patient, teach children and adults how to make sounds, and help children and adults improve and retain their speech fluency. Indeed reports that the average annual pay for a speech-language pathologist in the United States is $116,385 dollars.
Pediatric Registered Nurse
For any adult, but particularly for those who have a soft spot in their heart for kids, there is no greater reward than to see the smile return to a child’s face after they have been helped to regain their health and vigor after suffering an illness or injury. Pediatric nurses evaluate and document the patient’s medical status, as well as provide therapy and manage medication administration. In addition to this, they assist in the development of patient care plans or the improvement of existing plans, the performance of diagnostic tests, the explanation of home care plans to patients, and the instruction of patients or the patient’s immediate families on how to treat illnesses or injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a pediatric registered nurse in the United States makes an average of $77,600 per year.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists that specialize in pediatric dentistry check the oral health of children for conditions such as gingivitis and give the necessary preventive care. Pediatric dental hygienists do more than just clean patients’ teeth of tartar, plaque, and stains. They also take dental x-rays, have them developed, check patients’ oral health, and report their findings to the dentist. They also teach patients how to take care of their teeth and keep records of their care and treatment plans. They are there when the dentist is performing procedures such as cleaning teeth, fixing cavities, or pulling teeth. Some pediatric dental hygienists are able to administer anesthesia (Novocain). The median annual income for a dental hygienist in the United States is $77,810, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Juvenile Justice Lawyer
In court, juvenile justice attorneys represent minors. They work with teens who are suspected of committing crimes or act as child advocates, defending kids in cases like child abuse and neglect, child trafficking, child labor exploitation, foster care, and adoption. To obtain a law license in the field of juvenile justice, one must complete the same educational requirements as those for other types of law licenses. They have the opportunity to work in a variety of practice areas, including non-profit organizations that advocate for children, direct representation through Law Services and Legal Aid offices, state and federal agencies, private and public legal companies, and so on. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical yearly salary for a juvenile justice lawyer in the United States is $127,990.
School Principal
The principal is accountable for managing the day-to-day operations of the school, including the coordination of the curriculum, the administration of the staff, and the provision of a learning environment that is secure, friendly, and productive. Their responsibilities include managing the staff and activities of the school, establishing and supervising class schedules, developing, instituting, and preserving academic standards, assessing and reviewing the performance of teachers, meeting with parents and educators to discuss student issues, organizing staff development programs and workshops, and managing the school’s budget, expenses, and supplies. This is all done for the benefit of the students who are enrolled in the school that the principal is responsible for. The average annual pay for a principal in the United States is $98,420, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
School and Career Counselor
School counselors are entrusted with assisting students in developing intellectual and social skills that are crucial to their academic performance, whereas career counselors assist students in exploring careers or selecting an education program that would lead to a specific career. They identify challenges influencing students’ academic performance, analyze students’ interests and talents through interviews and aptitude tests, and collaborate with parents, teachers, and administrators to assist students in achieving success. In addition, they assist students in understanding and overcoming behavioral and social issues and in formulating plans to reach their academic objectives. They also serve a crucial role in assisting teachers and students in addressing issues like bullying and substance addiction. According to BLS, the average annual salary for a school and career counselor in the United States is $60,510.
Child Psychologist
A child psychologist is trained professionally and clinically to assess and treat the mental, social, emotional, and behavioral health of babies, toddlers, children, and teens. When working with children and adolescents, child psychologists employ a vast array of techniques and skills, such as using testing and evaluation to assess psychological, cognitive, intellectual, and behavioral disorders. Utilizing therapies like psychotherapy (talk therapy) and behavioral interventions Developing preventative programs such as anti-bullying, anti-addiction, and anti-teen pregnancy initiatives A child psychologist often collaborates with other pediatric professionals and healthcare providers. Frequently, child psychologists are incorporated into the complete care of children with medical conditions. For instance, they may assist children with sleep issues or chronic discomfort, as well as those coping with a chronic illness. According to Indeed, a child psychologist’s average annual pay in the United States is $93,341.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
A pediatric occupational therapist aids in the achievement of significant developmental milestones. Occupational therapy for children is focused on assisting them in acquiring the necessary skills to become healthy, independent individuals. They help kids develop daily skills such as cleaning their teeth, coloring, drawing, writing their name, and getting along with their peers. Occupational therapists that work with children take a holistic approach. They are attempting to determine the cause of the delays or restrictions. They pay particular attention to a child’s gross and fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, social development, and self-care competence. All of these skills and abilities contribute to a child’s development into a healthy, well-developed adult. The average yearly salary for a pediatric occupational therapist in the United States, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $85,570.
Elementary School Teacher
Teachers in elementary schools are prepared to instruct students in grades kindergarten through fifth. They are in charge of the students’ academic and emotional growth in the classroom, as well as the organization and use of educational materials and resources. This profession requires communication, patience, originality, and vigor. Their responsibilities include designing lesson plans, grading homework and assessments, and responding to student inquiries. Elementary teachers must be able to effectively manage a classroom, communicate with and instruct one or more subjects, and adhere to school procedures. They are responsible for monitoring the development of each student and offering additional guidance to those who require it. Additionally, they should implement school rules and promote positive student behavior outside of the classroom. According to BLS, the average salary for an elementary school teacher in the US is $61,350 per year.
Behavioral Specialist
A developmental-behavioral specialist has the training and experience to figure out what’s wrong with a child’s development, learning, or behavior and to help them get better. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians have the skills and experience to look at and treat the medical and psychological parts of developmental and behavioral problems in children and teens. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians evaluate, counsel, and treat children, teens, and their families with a wide range of developmental and behavioral problems, such as learning disorders, attention disorders, Tourette’s syndrome, developmental disabilities like autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy, and problems related to delayed development. The average annual compensation for a behavior specialist in the United States, as reported by Indeed, is $133,756.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
A pediatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced practice who specializes in the care of newborns, babies, toddlers, adolescents, and young people. Pediatric nurse practitioners focus on taking care of healthy children as well as preventing or treating common short-term and long-term illnesses in children. Like all nurse practitioners, pediatric nurse practitioners have a master’s or doctoral degree and are board-certified by an accredited certifying body. A pediatric nurse practitioner can be found in a range of practice settings, such as pediatric offices, hospitals, specialty clinics, school-based clinics, and urgent care or walk-in clinics. The average yearly salary for a pediatric nurse practitioner in the United States is $129,680, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists are licensed mental health practitioners who have obtained training in psychotherapy in addition to training in the dynamics of families. Therapists are trained to assist individuals, couples, and families in overcoming challenging circumstances, reconciling disagreements, and coping with mental or emotional difficulties. Marriage and family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the actions of all members of the family as well as how those behaviors influence individuals and the relationships between those individuals. However, despite the fact that the majority of the treatment is directed toward the couple’s relationship or the family as a whole, individual counseling sessions are frequently helpful to the process as a whole and will be advised as such. According to Indeed’s data, the annual salary of a marital and family therapist in the United States is approximately $68,789.
Pediatric Audiologist
A pediatric audiologist is a medical professional who treats pediatric patients with hearing, balance, or speech impairments. They are trained experts who utilize a variety of diagnostic procedures to identify the cause of the issue and then determine the most effective treatment. Pediatric audiology is a type of health care provided to newborns and young children with hearing or sound recognition difficulties. Audiologic intervention includes both diagnostic and rehabilitation services. These are used to determine what type of hearing loss someone has and how severe it is so that the appropriate treatment can be provided. Early detection of hearing issues is crucial for a child’s optimal speech and language development, as well as social growth. According to Indeed’s research, a pediatric audiologist’s annual salary in the United States is roughly $82,526.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Physical therapists who specialize in pediatrics are specially trained to improve the lives and daily functions of children with a wide variety of injuries and congenital problems. A pediatric therapist’s role is to collaborate with the child and their family to help each kid realize his or her maximum potential for independent functioning and to promote active involvement at home, in school, and in the community. Pediatric patients include infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, teenage competitive athletes, ages 0 to 18, and adolescents with childhood illnesses. The objective of the pediatric physical therapist is to evaluate and treat deficiencies in motor skills by helping children develop the strength and range of motion they need to navigate their environment efficiently. Along with evaluating flexibility, strength, stance, stride, sensory processing, balance, coordination, and skill, pediatric therapists are also trained to evaluate motor development using age-equivalent standardized tests. The average annual pay for a pediatric physical therapist in the United States, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $95,620.
Pediatric Nutritionist/Dietitian
Pediatric nutritionists or dietitians develop individualized meal plans for children based on their physical and medical ailments; they also assist children with picky eating habits; they devise weight-management programs for children; they provide nutritional assistance to children with a variety of conditions, and they work with children during the shift from feeding tubes to mouth feeding or eating. To enjoy doing this daily, a person must be good with children and have strong communication qualities. Due to the role they play in establishing patient nutritional programs, it is of the utmost importance to have a comprehensive awareness of the patient’s present health status and any food allergies they may have. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a pediatric nutritionist/dietitian in the United States earns a mean annual salary of $61,650.