Chicago vs Crystal Lake: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Chicago, IL and Crystal Lake, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Crystal Lake, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,429▲ | $62,832 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.74▲ | $30.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,953▲ | $42,553 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,891▲ | $52,885 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,814▲ | $73,627 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,359▲ | $84,366 |
| Total Employed | 2,030▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Chicago and Crystal Lake is $13,597 (21.64%). 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 Chicago spans $44,406,Crystal Lake spans $41,813. Chicago 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 14.01% more than Crystal Lake ($64,709 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Chicago grew 21.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.8% growth in Crystal Lake over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$60,600 (2019) → $73,560 (2025)
Crystal Lake, IL
$62,876 (2024) → $60,474 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Crystal Lake, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Chicago or Crystal Lake?
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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