Elgin vs Peoria: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Elgin, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,545▲ | $45,838 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.82▲ | $22.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,239▲ | $39,522 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,892▲ | $40,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,398▲ | $48,607 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,608▲ | $52,142 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 2,740▲ |
Verdict
Elgin, IL offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Elgin and Peoria is $3,707 (8.09%). Elgin's median is +10.08% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elgin spans $22,369,Peoria spans $12,620. Elgin 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, Elgin ($51,025 effective) pays 1.55% more than Peoria ($50,244 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elgin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,545/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,608)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,025)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Elgin grew 26.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 53.3% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Elgin, IL
$36,935 (2024) → $46,521 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$28,070 (2019) → $43,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Elgin or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elgin and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Elgin to Peoria as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Elgin vs Peoria?
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