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Sports Nutrition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Utulsa

Director of Sports Nutrition

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$41K - $47K/yr

Coordinate nutrition services in collaboration with athletic training, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, mental health, and performance staff. * Oversee fueling strategies for practices ...

Sporting Kansas City

The Sports Nutrition Fellow will assist with day-to-day nutrition operations, fueling station management, supplement inventory, team meals, hydration monitoring, body composition support, nutrition ...

Novant Health

Sports Dietitian

Wilmington, NC · On-site

What We Offer Sports Dietitian/ Sports Nutrition Specialist Join a collaborative sports performance team dedicated to helping student-athletes compete, recover, and thrive through evidence-based ...

destinationone Consulting

Sports Dietitian

Chicago, IL · On-site

Location: Various locations across Illinois The Sports Dietitian provides nutrition guidance tailored to athletes and active individuals, focusing on performance enhancement and recovery. Key ...

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How much do sports nutrition jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports nutrition in the United States is $35.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $66.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sports nutrition?

Sports nutrition is a specialized field of nutrition focused on the dietary needs of athletes and physically active individuals. It involves understanding how food and drink choices can enhance athletic performance, recovery, and overall health. Sports nutritionists design eating plans that provide the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals tailored to an athlete's specific sport, training regimen, and goals. Proper sports nutrition helps optimize energy, improve endurance, and reduce the risk of injury.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job in Sports Nutrition?

The qualifications to get a job in sports nutrition include at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as fitness, nutrition, food science, sports science, kinesiology, or anatomy. More complex jobs working with college, professional, or Olympic-level sports programs require you to be a registered dietitian or have a master’s degree in sports nutrition. To become a registered dietician, you must complete a supervised training program, pass the national examination by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and fulfill continuing education requirements. A career or previous experience in the specific sport in which you work is also beneficial. Jobs in sports nutrition require excellent interpersonal, communication, and analytical thinking skills, as well as a thorough understanding of food science, fitness, and health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sports Nutritionist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sports Nutritionist, you need a solid background in nutrition science, exercise physiology, and often a degree in dietetics or nutrition with relevant certifications such as Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD). Familiarity with dietary analysis software, body composition assessment tools, and meal planning systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational abilities, and effective communication help build trust and encourage athletes to follow tailored nutrition plans. These skills are crucial for optimizing athletic performance, promoting recovery, and ensuring overall health in sports settings.

What are some of the most common challenges Sports Nutritionists face when working with athletic teams?

Sports Nutritionists often encounter challenges such as tailoring nutrition plans to meet the unique needs of each athlete, managing dietary restrictions, and ensuring compliance with both team and competition guidelines. They must frequently educate athletes on the importance of nutrition for performance and recovery, while also navigating logistical hurdles like travel schedules and limited food options. Effective collaboration with coaches, athletic trainers, and medical staff is essential to integrate nutrition seamlessly into overall training and performance strategies.

What is the difference between Sports Nutrition vs Dietitian?

AspectSports NutritionDietitian
Required CredentialsCertification in Sports Nutrition or related fields, often a bachelor's degreeRegistered Dietitian (RD) credential, bachelor's degree, supervised practice, and licensing
Work EnvironmentGyms, sports teams, fitness centers, wellness clinicsHospitals, clinics, private practices, healthcare facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on optimizing athletic performance and nutrition plans for athletesProvides medical nutrition therapy and dietary guidance for general health and medical conditions

Sports Nutrition specialists primarily focus on enhancing athletic performance through tailored nutrition plans, often working with athletes and fitness clients. Dietitians have a broader scope, providing medical nutrition therapy and dietary advice across healthcare settings. While both roles require nutrition knowledge, dietitians typically have more extensive credentials and work in clinical environments, whereas sports nutritionists specialize in sports and fitness contexts.

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Sports Nutrition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Nutrition job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,816 per year, or $35 per hour.

Director of Sports Nutrition

Utulsa

Tulsa, OK • On-site

$41K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description


The Director of Nutrition is responsible for leading, developing, and implementing a comprehensive nutrition program that supports the health, wellness, and performance of University of Tulsa student-athletes. This role ensures nutrition services are delivered in compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional policies, and aligns with the department's holistic approach to student-athlete wellness and performance.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Develop and oversee a comprehensive nutrition strategy that supports athletic performance, recovery, and overall health of student-athletes.
  • Provide evidence-based nutrition education through team talks, workshops, and approved educational materials.
  • Coordinate nutrition services in collaboration with athletic training, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, mental health, and performance staff.
  • Oversee fueling strategies for practices, training sessions, competition, and travel in partnership with campus dining services and external vendors.
  • Manage nutrition budget, purchasing, inventory, and vendor relationships.
  • Ensure all nutrition programming, education, and services comply with NCAA, conference, and institutional regulations.
  • Oversee supplement education and risk management protocols, including banned substance education and access to approved third-party resources (e.g., Drug Free Sport Axis).
  • Establish and enforce department policies related to nutrition counseling, supplementation, and outside service providers.
  • Supervise and mentor nutrition staff, fellow, hurricane ambassadors, and pathways, as applicable.
  • Collaborate with coaches and sport administrators to align nutrition initiatives with sport-specific demands and performance goals.
  • Participate in departmental meetings, wellness initiatives, and student-athlete development programming.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and assessment of nutrition services and program outcomes.

Nutrition Counseling & Education
  • Provide nutrition education and guidance consistent with professional scope of practice and credentialing.
  • Coordinate referrals to registered dietitians or other licensed healthcare professionals when individualized medical nutrition therapy is required.
  • Support student-athletes with general nutrition education while adhering to established boundaries for one-on-one counseling as dictated by departmental policy.

Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure adherence to NCAA rules related to nutrition, supplements, and impermissible benefits.
  • Educate student-athletes and staff on banned substances, supplement risks, and safe fueling practices.
  • Work closely with compliance staff to monitor and update nutrition-related policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Exercise Science, or a related field.
  • Certification as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe (if applicable to institutional expectations).
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in sports nutrition, collegiate athletics, professional sports, or a related performance setting.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA rules, student-athlete welfare, and best practices in sports nutrition.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field.
  • Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).
  • Experience working within a Division I collegiate athletics environment.
  • Experience managing budgets, staff, and cross-functional teams.

Core Competencies
  • Student-athlete centered approach to wellness and performance
  • Collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork
  • High ethical standards and compliance awareness
  • Strategic planning and program development
  • Effective education and communication skills

Work Environment & Expectations
  • Evening and weekend hours may be required, including travel with teams as needed.
  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-performance environment for student-athletes.

About Us
The University of Tulsa is a student-centered research university that cultivates interconnected learning experiences to explore complex ideas and create new knowledge in a spirit of free inquiry. Guided by our commitment to service and inclusion, we prepare individuals to make meaningful contributions to our campus, our community, and our world.
The University endeavors to create and nurture an informed and inclusive environment in its workplace and educational programs. Affirmative action and equal employment opportunity are integral parts of the University not just because they are legally mandated, but because we recognize that the present and future strength of the university is based primarily on people and their skills, experience, and potential. The University does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status. The University seeks to recruit, select, and promote students, faculty, and all other employees on the basis of individual merit.

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