Arlington Heights vs Chicago: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,039 | $49,991▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.69 | $24.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,033 | $41,514▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,726 | $45,731▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,662 | $52,249▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,575 | $57,989▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 45,850▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Chicago is $6,952 (16.15%). Chicago's median is +11.07% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $17,542,Chicago spans $16,475. Arlington Heights has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($48,256 effective) pays 8.87% more than Arlington Heights ($44,324 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,991/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,989)
- ✓Larger job market (45,850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,256)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Arlington Heights grew 11.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 57.8% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$36,311 (2024) → $40,412 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$29,750 (2019) → $46,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Arlington Heights or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Chicago as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Arlington Heights vs Chicago?
Related Comparisons
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov