Arlington Heights vs Chicago: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,932 | $76,429▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.22 | $36.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,936 | $50,953▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,786 | $66,891▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,794 | $84,814▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,113 | $95,359▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 2,030▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Chicago is $11,497 (17.71%). Chicago's median is -3.72% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $45,177,Chicago spans $44,406. Arlington Heights has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($73,777 effective) pays 10.33% more than Arlington Heights ($66,871 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,429/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,359)
- ✓Larger job market (2,030 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,777)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Arlington Heights grew -3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$64,978 (2024) → $62,495 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$60,600 (2019) → $73,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Arlington Heights or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Chicago as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Arlington Heights vs Chicago?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov