Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Dietitian Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median dietitian salary in Chicago, IL is $72,431 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$72,431
vs State Avg
+$7,974
vs National
+$5,981
Cost of Living
107%

Dietitian Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median dietitian salary of $72,431, which is $7,974 above the Illinois state average of $64,457. Compared to the national median of $66,450, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dietitians in Chicago spans from $45,780 at the 10th percentile to $107,910 at the 90th percentile — a $62,130 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,050, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,550. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dietitian Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level dietitian earns around $49,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,550 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,050
+$4,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,120
+$6,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,550
+$8,550 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $45,780
25th Percentile $57,770
Median (50th) $72,431
75th Percentile $90,470
90th Percentile $107,910

Dietitian Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Dietitian in Chicago

Education

Most dietitian positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, dietitian employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dietitian Jobs in Chicago

Browse open dietitian positions in Chicago, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Chicago

How much does a Dietitian make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Chicago, Illinois is $72,431 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $45,780 (10th percentile) to $107,910 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,431, a dietitian in Chicago earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for dietitian pay? ▼
Chicago's median dietitian salary of $72,431 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $64,457. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a dietitian salary of $72,431 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dietitian in Chicago? ▼
Most dietitian positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Medical Nutrition Therapy, Meal Planning, Patient Counseling, Food Science. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.