Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Illinois
Based on 69K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$45,960
$22.10/hr
vs National Average
$41,812
+9.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $54K
69K employed in Illinois
The median Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Illinois is $45,960 per year, which translates to approximately $22 per hour. This figure is 9.9% higher than the national average, indicating strong earning potential for CNAs in the state. There are currently an estimated 68,640 CNAs employed across Illinois.
Several factors can influence the specific Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Illinois. These include the cost of living in a particular city, the type of healthcare facility where one is employed (such as a hospital versus a nursing home), and the individual's years of experience and any specialized certifications they may hold.
Salary Distribution — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,590 |
| 25th percentile | $39,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $45,960 |
| 75th percentile | $48,380 |
| 90th percentile | $54,050 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nursing Assistant (CNA) (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nursing Assistant (CNA)s the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nursing Assistant (CNA)s in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,710 | 40 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $47,810 | 49K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $47,050 | 47K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $46,920 | 430 |
| Wholesale Trade | $46,540 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,960 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,339 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,960 | $41,812 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,339 | $43,066 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $39,420 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $45,960 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $48,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $54,050 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Other States
Related Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Nursing Assistant (CNA) ($45,960 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +1026.7% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +853.0% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +524.1% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +463.0% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +433.3% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +352.6% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +328.1% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +264.2% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +239.7% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +216.8% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +206.1% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +202.6% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly wage for a CNA in Illinois?
- The average hourly wage for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois is $22. This means that most CNAs in the state earn an hourly rate close to this figure.
What is the typical salary range for a CNA in Illinois?
- In Illinois, the salary range for CNAs typically falls between $37,590 on the lower end and $54,050 on the higher end annually.
How does the CNA salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
- CNAs in Illinois earn approximately 9.9% more than the national average. This suggests a more favorable compensation landscape for nursing assistants within the state.
How many CNAs are employed in Illinois?
- There are a significant number of employed CNAs in Illinois, with current estimates indicating a total of 68,640 individuals working in this role.