Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Arlington Heights, IL: $31.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Arlington Heights, IL runs $31.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Arlington Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,965 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington Heights, IL, earn a median hourly rate of $31.22, considerably lower than the national median of $38.16. This discrepancy points to regional economic factors that may influence local pay rates. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,497 per month before taxes, creating a financial picture that can be less favorable than a full-time commitment. Entry-level practitioners may expect to earn around $21.12 per hour, while those in senior roles can achieve up to $42.84, reflecting a broad spectrum of experience and specialty in various clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. These figures illustrate the potential earnings for dietitians working in diverse environments such as long-term care facilities, school districts, and even sports nutrition settings.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.12 | $168.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.34 | $210.71 |
| Median (P50) | $31.22 | $249.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.92 | $295.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.84 | $342.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington Heights
Based on $31.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.22/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington Heights, IL can expect to earn approximately $64,942 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,466. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,248.88 | $5,412 | $64,942 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $749.33 | $3,247 | $38,965 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $499.55 | $2,165 | $25,977 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Arlington Heights) | $31.22 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Health Education Specialist (National Avg) | $31.83 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.60 |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Arlington Heights, IL earn a median of $64,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.20% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.60% below the Illinois state average of $65,988.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.22/hr = $38,965/year (purchasing power: $40,129).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,942/year (purchasing power: $66,881).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington Heights grew 24.7% from $24.10/hr (2019) to $30.05/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.44/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dietitians and nutritionists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington Heights metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.90% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dietitian and Nutritionist in Arlington Heights
Evaluating the financial opportunities for part-time dietitians and nutritionists reveals that working just three days a week can limit earnings significantly compared to those in full-time positions. Moreover, the per-diem dietitian and nutritionist pay in Arlington Heights allows professionals to explore flexible opportunities, as many contract roles pay between $50 and $80 per hour. RDNs in specialized areas, such as sports nutrition, often command even higher rates between $80 and $150 per hour. Meanwhile, private practice providers may charge clients up to $300 for a 60-minute consultation. The disparity in hourly rates among various employers in Arlington Heights ranges due to factors like benefits, job security, and work-life balance. Those willing to trade off higher hourly wages for health insurance typically find more stable, full-time roles, while independent practitioners might prioritize flexibility and higher rates, particularly as the industry shifts toward cash-pay and direct billing models. Having solid negotiation skills can enhance job prospects in this diverse field, considering the evolving demands of dietitians and nutritionists.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dietitians and nutritionists in Arlington Heights. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington Heights is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.90%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dietitian and nutritionists (SOC 29-1031).
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