Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $36.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dietitian and nutritionist working in Chicago, IL runs $36.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,429 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,850 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chicago, the dietitian and nutritionist hourly pay is projected to be $36.74 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $38.16. This hourly rate is significant for professionals working in diverse settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices, providing flexible options for those interested in part-time or per-diem roles. For instance, a part-time worker putting in three eight-hour days weekly could expect to earn around $28,000 annually, while per-diem workers can earn up to $80 per hour when billing for specialized services. The hourly wage range in Chicago varies from $24.50 at the entry level to about $45.84 for top earners, illustrating the potential for growth within the profession. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.50 | $196.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.16 | $257.26 |
| Median (P50) | $36.74 | $293.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.77 | $326.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.84 | $366.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $36.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.74/hr, a dietitian and nutritionist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $76,417 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,087. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,469.56 | $6,368 | $76,417 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $881.74 | $3,821 | $45,850 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $587.82 | $2,547 | $30,567 |
Compare DN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dietitian and Nutritionist (Chicago) | $36.74 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $76,429 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.72% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 15.80% above the Illinois state average of $66,001.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.74/hr = $45,850/year (purchasing power: $44,259).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,417/year (purchasing power: $73,765).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dietitians and nutritionists in Chicago grew 21.3% from $29.14/hr (2019) to $35.36/hr (2025). At a 3.90% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.17/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
Considering the financial landscape for part-time dietitians and nutritionists in Chicago, working three days a week can yield a modest income compared to full-time positions. For instance, a professional working 24 hours weekly at the hourly median could see annual earnings of around $28,000, which contrasts starkly with full-time opportunities. Many per diem dietitian and nutritionists often operate with a 1099 status, allowing them to command rates between $50 and $80 per hour, especially in specialized fields like sports nutrition consulting. Different employer types also influence pay; those in public health WIC clinics typically earn less compared to dietitians in corporate wellness or private practice, which can charge clients significantly higher fees for direct services. Therefore, some professionals may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for the benefits provided by full-time employment, creating a nuanced bargaining situation for prospective dietitians and nutritionists in the Chicago area. Additionally, practical negotiation strategies, such as understanding market rates and tailoring proposals based on specific employer needs, can greatly enhance earning potential in this field.
More salary data for Chicago, 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 Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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