The 31 Best Dietitian Side Hustles That Pay

Imagine the potential to earn an extra $1,000 a month—while helping people and building your dream career. Registered dietitians (RDs) are often underpaid and overworked in clinical settings, yet their expertise opens doors to meaningful side income.

This guide consolidates and expands on the best strategies for launching a successful dietitian side hustle, with practical steps to turn your credentials into extra income.

Fast-start hustles for immediate income

If you’re an RD or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), consider the following side hustles to earn additional cash to achieve your financial goals.

Virtual assistant and administrative support

Are you looking for work-from-home side jobs with flexible hours that also pay well? Here are some great examples.

1. Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants remotely complete various tasks, including technical and administrative support. You may also complete email management, scheduling, social media management, data entry, and similar responsibilities in this role. 

2. Corporate wellness

Designing, implementing, and managing corporate wellness programs is a side gig that can pad your paycheck. These programs enhance employee physical and mental health and well-being. 

You might be in charge of nutrition and fitness education, healthy lifestyle promotion, weight management, and other wellness-related activities to optimize company staff wellness. 

Writing and media services

Writing and media services are simple side gigs you can complete from the comfort of your home at night, on the weekends, or any other time that’s most convenient. 

3. Freelance writing/editing

As a freelance writer, you can create content about the topics you love while setting your own hours and being your own boss. 

Advertise your services on social media, apply for contract writing jobs, or write for yourself by starting your own blog or website. Already have freelance writing experience? Consider moving into an editor role. 

4. Medical reviewer

Medical reviewers evaluate records and documents for completeness,  accuracy, and regulation compliance.

Be cautious to avoid offering regulatory or diagnostic opinions unless specifically credentialed and authorized.

5. Write for industry publications

Other side-gig writing opportunities include creating content for specific industry publications, including journals, online newspapers, and magazines that publish nutrition trends, news, research, new therapies and treatments, and more.

6. Manage or create social content for other dietitians

Are you a writer or content creator desiring to use your creative skills and share your expertise for the betterment of others? Consider creating or managing social content for other dietitians or medical professionals.

7. Social media manager

As a social media manager, you can create, manage, and optimize another professional’s (or company’s) online presence via social media platforms. Doing so helps drive new business, increase customer engagement, expand existing revenue, and track performance metrics.

Mentorship and education

Share your professional nutrition experiences as a side hustle in educational and mentorship roles to earn extra cash. 

8. Tutoring and academic support

Advertise your services for tutoring and academic support to college students pursuing a nutrition degree, dietetic internship, or RD exam preparation. 

9. Mentoring other RDs or students

Consider mentoring other dietitians or students, particularly those pursuing an internship or studying to obtain an RD credential.

10. Market research participant

Market researchers participate in market research surveys or studies, providing valuable customer data and insights. Researchers use the information gathered to send updated information to organizations desiring improved services or products.

Digital products and scalable services

The following are digital products and scalable services to consider as an RD side hustle.

11. Sell digital goods

E-books, nutritional handouts, recipes, and templates are digital nutrition products you can sell online. 

12. Print-on-demand products

Print-on-demand products are created after customers order them, so you don’t have to hold inventory. 

You might sell clothing, custom meal plans, grocery lists, or other products on Etsy or similar sites. Use Shopify to allow your customers to place orders in your online store.

13. Self-publish on Amazon (KDP)

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a platform that allows authors to self-publish books, including paperbacks, eBooks, and hardcovers, directly on Amazon. You can control the publishing process, reach a vast global audience, and retain full rights to your work.

Courses and group programs

Creating courses and offering group programs is an excellent way to earn side gig cash and share your nutritional expertise. 

14. Create and sell online courses

Online nutrition, health, and wellness courses are in high demand, offering opportunities to sell your health-promoting services to a large audience. Consider teachable or similar products for online course creation. 

15. Host group programs

Consider hosting in-person and virtual group sessions, such as weight management programs, group cooking classes, and nutrition or fitness education. 

Programs should offer general wellness education and not be used to diagnose, treat, or manage health conditions unless you operate under appropriate licensure and within your scope of practice.

Marketing and monetization

Here are some examples of marketing and monetization services that can earn you side-hustle cash as a registered dietitian.

16. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a revenue-sharing strategy in which you promote a company’s services or products and earn a commission for sales generated through your unique affiliate link. You can use this promotion strategy on your social media sites, blogs, and other online presences. 

When engaging in affiliate marketing, be sure to disclose your relationship with the brand in accordance with FTC guidelines.

17. SEO services

Utilize search engine optimization (SEO) as a freelance writer or when creating unique content for your side business or customers to drive more traffic to online sites.

Long-term growth and passive income

Consider the opportunities below if you want long-term growth with passive income.

Content-based monetization

Create your own content-based business by trying the following ideas.

18. Start a blog

Create a blog to earn extra cash with ad revenue, affiliate links, memberships, and other online monetization opportunities. 

19. Start a paid newsletter

Creating a paid newsletter is an excellent way for RDs to achieve long-term growth and revenue. The newsletter could be generalized to nutrition, fitness, or weight loss. Alternatively, hone in on specific nutrition-related topics like nutraceuticals or new research trends.

20. Launch a podcast or YouTube channel

A monetized podcast or YouTube channel is another way to earn extra cash as your next dietitian side hustle. Ad revenue and paid sponsorships can also earn you additional income.

21. Brand ambassador/sponsored content

Being a brand ambassador means providing sponsored content that represents or promotes a specific brand or product. If you have a strong social media presence and expertise, companies may pay you to promote their products, brands, or services. 

Be transparent about sponsored content and avoid unsubstantiated or otherwise prohibited claims about health outcomes. 

Build a membership site

Building a membership offers opportunities for continuous revenue from individuals who sign up and pay a monthly fee for your services. 

They may have access to new recipes, weight loss or nutrition tips, newsletters, workouts, community forums, nutritional guidance, or other services. 

22. Create evergreen funnels/automated sales systems

Evergreen funnels and automation can also help you earn easy side gig cash. 

Evergreen funnels are automated sales systems that perform continuously and independently, converting leads into customers without constant human interaction. These tools and processes manage your tasks, freeing up much of your time.

23. Content creation for apps/tech platforms

Nutrition, health, fitness, and weight loss apps and tech platforms may seek content creators or consultation services from professionals like you (RDs and RDNs). You might create videos, articles, social media posts, and more.

Hands-on and local opportunities

Want to get out of the house to provide hands-on support? Consider the following options to avoid staring at a computer screen.

Creative services

Are you creative, have specialized expertise, or want to explore creative services further? Consider the following side-hustle options.

24. Food photography/videography

Food photography and videography are in high demand, so creating and selling these services is a simple, fun side gig that can earn you extra cash quickly.

25. Freelance recipe development

Many individuals, restaurants, and companies in the health and wellness industry—and owners of blogs, e-recipe books, and websites—need help creating nutritious recipes that also taste delicious. Many are willing to pay a pretty penny for this fun freelance service. 

26. Nutrition analysis for restaurants

Restaurants commonly list the nutritional content of menu items, whether they display this information on their menus or website. 

Advertise your nutrition analysis services to restaurants in your community or online. To complete the task, use nutrient analysis software (such as Nutritionist Pro™ or a USDA-approved nutrient analysis software for school meal programs).

All nutrition analyses should be conducted using reputable software and presented for informational use only, not as a substitute for medical advice.

Events and classes

Events and classes can also help you earn additional side bucks.

27. Host nutrition or cooking classes

Host an in-person nutrition or cooking class at a community site in your area or virtually as your next side hustle. You can also pre-record the class and allow customers to purchase it online via your website or blog. 

28. Run grocery store tours

Dietitians commonly offer in-person grocery store tours to help clients learn efficient ways to locate healthy foods at their local grocery stores and prepare them at home. You can also provide videos for purchase online or on revenue-earning social media sites. 

29. Host online summits/events

Host virtual summits or other events that gather nutrition and fitness leaders to discuss specific health-related topics, research, new ideas, and expert insights. 

When offering public-facing events, be clear that the information shared is for general education and does not constitute individualized medical advice.

Education and consulting

Are you a seasoned nutrition professional? Consider these educational and consulting side gigs to boost your cash flow.

30. Teach at a university or high school

While you may need a teaching certificate at a high school or university, obtaining one is relatively simple. Being an educator is an excellent way to build your resume and earn side cash when you’re not working at your full-time gig. 

31. Business coaching for RDs

RD business coaches may consult for food and wellness brands or become certified health coaches, offering in-person and online coaching services that enhance clients’ physical and mental well-being. 

Bonus: Make Fullscript your side hustle!

Are you familiar with Fullscript? It’s the leading platform for delivering whole person care. It gives providers a single platform that brings together industry-leading labs and high-quality supplements commonly used to support overall wellness.

100,000 dietitians and other healthcare professionals trust Fullscript to manage and prescribe high-quality supplements and industry-leading labs. Fullscript is free to sign up and delivers patients’ products to your office or their doors.

Once you start a Fullscript account, you will be able to offer a safe and convenient source to patients for trusted wellness products and have access to time-saving features—such as a patient mobile app and auto refill discounts that boost patients’ adherence—helping them stay on track with their wellness journey.

Best of all, Fullscript is a great option for running your own supplement store and earning income on every sale!** When you open a Fullscript account, you can:

• Send online supplement recommendations. Once you set up your Fullscript account, you can begin to send online supplement recommendations to your patients. Fullscript provides you with tools to craft your protocols with personalized instructions, wellness products, and educational resources.
• Offer your patients discounts. With Fullscript, help grow your patient base by offering deep discounts.
• Get quality you can trust. Fullscript makes it easy for all healthcare providers to confidently recommend high-quality products that are safe and effective.
• Expand your care with lab testing. With labs on Fullscript, you can seamlessly integrate functional lab testing into your care model. This new offering allows you to order diagnostic lab tests directly through Fullscript along with supplement-inclusive protocols. It’s another powerful way to support clinical decisions, monitor progress, and elevate the level of care you provide—all in one platform.

**Excludes lab tests and services.

Have questions about making Fullscript your side hustle? Book a demo with a Fullscript expert. We’ll be happy to help you get set up on Fullscript and start running your own online supplement store.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Take note of the following answers to frequently asked questions about dietitian side hustles.

What is the most profitable dietitian side hustle?

Freelance writing, blogging, podcasting, teaching in-person or online courses, health coaching, virtual nutritional counseling, and meal planning can be incredibly lucrative side hustles for RDs. 

If you’re seeking passive income with additional earning potential, consider selling digital products like e-books or online courses. 

How much time should I commit weekly to see results?

Start by creating a budget to determine how much extra cash you need. Then, apply for side jobs or advertise your entrepreneurial services. 

Establish how much you’ll charge for these services to learn how many extra hours you must work to achieve your goals. But be sure to balance work with family and self-care.

Do I need a business license to start?

Not if you’re working as an employee. However, if you’re setting up your own business (sole proprietor, LLC, or another business structure), do so and ensure your RD and any other credentials are up to date.

What tools help streamline a side hustle for RDs?

The most appropriate tools to streamline an RD side hustle depend on the services you plan to offer. 

For example, WordPress can help you publish online content. Freelance marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork provide opportunities to find freelance side gigs. 

How do I choose the right side hustle for my lifestyle?

With so many RD side hustle ideas to consider, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. 

The ideal choice is based on the money you want to make, your work-life balance goals, and your strengths and lifestyle. 

Do you prefer hands-on, in-person side gigs or the flexibility and convenience of working from home? You get to decide what’s best for you.

Key takeaways

• Dietitians have more paths than ever to supplement their income and create career fulfillment.
• Whether you are seeking flexibility, financial growth, or creative expression, your credentials can carry you far beyond the clinic.