Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Arlington Heights, IL: $64,932 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Arlington Heights, IL earns a median $64,932/year (≈ $31.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Arlington Heights's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $66,871 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a dietitian and nutritionist in Arlington Heights, Illinois, stands at $64,932. This figure represents a notable gap when compared to the national median of $79,380, underscoring the local market dynamics for this profession. The salary range for dietitians and nutritionists in this area spans from approximately $43,936 for the lower 10th percentile to around $89,113 for the top 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting regional price adjustments and the impact of the 2024 transition requiring a master's degree for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). Consequently, individuals entering the field may find themselves starting at a lower salary due to the heightened educational standards, which in turn shapes the local job market and potential earning trajectories.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,936 | $21.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,786 | $26.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,932 | $31.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,794 | $36.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,113 | $42.84 |
Median Salary Position
18.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington Heights
In Arlington Heights, IL, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,177 (2026 est.). At $64,932, the local median is 18.2% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington Heights Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Arlington Heights median: $64,932/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,988 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -18.20% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington Heights has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington Heights, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $64,932 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,871 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,119
2025 BLS Actual
$62,495
2026 Current Est.
$64,932
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,119 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,607 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,356 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,998 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,978 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,495 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,932 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,465 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington Heights metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $50,119 (2019) to $62,495 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,465 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,346 (34.61%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $43,936 – $54,786 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,786 – $64,932 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,932 – $76,794 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,794 – $89,113 |
DN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dietitian and nutritionist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Job Market in Arlington Heights
With only 18 dietitians and nutritionists employed in Arlington Heights, the competition for positions is relatively moderate, which can drive salary dynamics. The area features a cost-of-living index of 97.1, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further than in higher-cost locales, though it remains imperative for professionals to optimize their earnings. Employers in this region, ranging from clinical nutrition departments in hospitals to outpatient clinics specializing in diabetes and cardiology, tend to offer higher salaries, particularly for those with specialized credentials or ownership in cash-pay private practices. The disparity in pay can be influenced by factors such as clinical specialties, experience, and settings like public health versus corporate wellness. For those looking to maximize their dietitian and nutritionist pay in Arlington Heights, pursuing advanced certifications, building a robust professional network, and considering cash-pay models could significantly enhance earning potential.
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,495 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Arlington Heights metropolitan area. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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