Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Collinsville, IL: $34,379 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Collinsville, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,379 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Collinsville's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,406 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,766) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the certified nursing assistant field in Collinsville, Illinois, can anticipate a starting annual salary of approximately $34,379 for 2026. This figure is notably lower than the overall median salary of $42,766 for CNAs in the city, indicating a considerable gap that reflects the early-career pay scale. As new CNAs gain experience, their earnings are projected to grow, moving from the entry-level rate toward the 25th percentile salary of $37,199 within three to five years. With a growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region, new graduates should find opportunities for employment in Collinsville appealing, especially as the industry is striving to address staffing shortages exacerbated by recent turnover trends.
About the Collinsville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Collinsville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Collinsville
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Collinsville, IL typically start between $34,379 and $37,199 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $15,792 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,766 — 4.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Illinois of $2,200 represents just 6.40% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($34,379/year) in Collinsville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state nurse aide registry-approved CNA training programs meeting federal CMS requirements. Tuition varies widely between free employer-sponsored programs, community college courses, and private training schools.
CNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Collinsville
- 1Research the Collinsville market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $34,379 to $37,199, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Collinsville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Collinsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Collinsville's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Collinsville is $15,792 ( 45.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,379, experienced hygienists can earn up to $50,171.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,887
2025 BLS Actual
$32,281
2026 Current Est.
$34,379
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Collinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,887 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,638 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,713 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,553 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,669 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,281 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,379 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,614 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Collinsville, IL grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,887 in 2019 to $32,281 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,614. New graduates entering the Collinsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collinsville 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 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Collinsville
Regarding employment options, various facilities in Collinsville actively seek to hire entry-level CNAs. Skilled nursing facilities are typically the primary employers and often offer paid training programs that allow new hires to gain essential skills while earning a salary. Conversely, hospital systems may prefer candidates with more experience but sometimes provide apprenticeship pipelines that could lead to full-time roles. Home health agencies value candidates who can offer flexible schedules, broadening the scope of job options available. Certified nursing assistants should also consider obtaining additional certifications like CPR/BLS or specialized training in dementia care to increase their starting pay. Given the projected increase in nursing facilities' wages due to the ongoing staffing crisis, entry-level CNAs in Collinsville could see realistic salary growth as they transition into their first three years, often leading to further advancement opportunities within the profession.
More salary data for Collinsville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Collinsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collinsville 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 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
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