Rockford vs Waukegan: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Rockford, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,696 | $66,077▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.59 | $31.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,745▲ | $41,277 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,075▲ | $53,177 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,083▲ | $77,018 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,710 | $92,999▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Waukegan, IL offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Rockford and Waukegan is $381 (0.58%). Waukegan's median is -16.76% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $21,965,Waukegan spans $51,722. Waukegan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($71,289 effective) pays 4.76% more than Waukegan ($68,050 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,289)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,077/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,999)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Rockford grew 6.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.8% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$59,230 (2019) → $63,230 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$66,123 (2024) → $63,597 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Rockford or Waukegan?
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Should I relocate from Rockford to Waukegan as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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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