Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Carbondale, IL: $61,802 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Carbondale, IL earns a median $61,802/year (≈ $29.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Carbondale's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $63,648 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Carbondale, the projected median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists in 2026 is $61,802, representing a notable discrepancy of approximately 22.14% below the national median of $79,380. Salary ranges for these professionals vary widely, from $44,673 at the P10 level up to $79,858 at the P90 mark. Such figures are derived from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. This landscape reflects the unique job market in Carbondale, where demand may not yet meet the salary expectations found in larger metropolitan areas, potentially influencing the recruitment and retention of skilled dietitians and nutritionists.
About the Carbondale Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,673 | $21.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,979 | $25.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,802 | $29.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,083 | $34.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,858 | $38.39 |
Median Salary Position
22.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carbondale
In Carbondale, IL, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,185 (2026 est.). At $61,802, the local median is 22.14% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carbondale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carbondale Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Carbondale median: $61,802/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carbondale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,957 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | -22.14% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Carbondale, IL earn a median of $61,802 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.14% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $65,957.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carbondale 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.
Carbondale, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A dietitian and nutritionist earning $61,802 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,648 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,900
2025 BLS Actual
$59,482
2026 Current Est.
$61,802
2019–2027 Growth
+9.0%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Carbondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,845 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,802 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,212 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carbondale metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 1.0% from $58,900 (2019) to $59,482 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,212 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,312 (9.02%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carbondale 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) | $44,673 – $53,979 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,979 – $61,802 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,802 – $71,083 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,083 – $79,858 |
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 Carbondale
Five registered dietitians and nutritionists currently work in Carbondale, indicating a small yet focused job market. The cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, which suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains reasonable within the local economy. Top-paying opportunities often arise within hospital clinical nutrition departments and specialized outpatient clinics, such as those focusing on diabetes and cardiovascular health. Factors driving income variations include advanced specialty certifications, such as the CDCES, which can enhance earning potential. For those considering maximizing their pay in this environment, exploring cash-pay private practice options or positions in corporate wellness programs may yield higher returns. Additionally, gaining board specialty stipends can further enhance one's earning potential, particularly in the context of a market that may lean toward specialized care as it continues to evolve.
More salary data for Carbondale, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Carbondale, IL in 2026?
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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 $59,482 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Carbondale 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 Carbondale 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