Elgin vs Rockford: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Elgin, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,747▲ | $65,696 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.42▲ | $31.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,594 | $58,745▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,374 | $64,075▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,204▲ | $77,083 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,577▲ | $80,710 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Elgin, IL offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Elgin and Rockford is $10,051 (15.30%). Elgin's median is -4.58% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elgin spans $55,983,Rockford spans $21,965. Elgin 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, Elgin ($78,009 effective) pays 9.43% more than Rockford ($71,289 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elgin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,747/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,577)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,009)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Elgin grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Elgin, IL
$66,093 (2024) → $72,904 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$59,230 (2019) → $63,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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