Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Lombard, IL: $33,423 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Lombard, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,423 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lombard's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,421 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,376) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the job market as a certified nursing assistant in Lombard, Illinois, presents promising prospects for new graduates in 2026. The starting certified nursing assistant salary in Lombard is projected to be around $33,423, which may initially seem low compared to the overall median salary of $42,376 for CNAs in the area. However, this entry-level pay offers a pathway for growth; new CNAs can realistically expect to move towards the P25 earning bracket of $38,966 within their first few years, with the potential to reach the median as they gain experience. Lombard's healthcare environment, influenced by ongoing demand and a recovering workforce, indicates that it remains a strong market for new graduates seeking to establish their careers in this vital field.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lombard
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 Lombard
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Lombard, IL typically start between $33,423 and $38,966 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,146 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,376 — 5.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Illinois of $2,200 represents just 6.58% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($33,423/year) in Lombard. 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 Lombard
- 1Research the Lombard market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $33,423 to $38,966, 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 Lombard, 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 Lombard for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lombard'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 Lombard is $18,146 ( 54.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,423, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,569.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,306
2025 BLS Actual
$31,383
2026 Current Est.
$33,423
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,306 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,036 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,081 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,918 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,758 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,864 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,383 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,423 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,595 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lombard, IL grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,306 in 2019 to $31,383 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,595. New graduates entering the Lombard job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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 Lombard
For those just beginning their journey, several employers in Lombard actively hire new graduate CNAs, particularly skilled nursing facilities that often provide paid training programs to transition candidates into the workforce. Hospital systems, while favoring more experienced hires, are increasingly developing apprenticeship pipelines. Home health agencies also represent a favorable option, particularly for those looking for flexible schedules. Completing the necessary state CNA certification, which includes a minimum of 75 hours of training plus a state exam, alongside CPR/BLS certification can enhance new grad certified nursing assistant pay in IL. New CNAs should also consider pursuing additional credentials, such as a medication aide certification or specialized training in dementia care, as these can positively impact earning potential. Realistically, within the first three years of employment, CNAs in Lombard may experience gradual salary increases, potentially bridging into LPN or RN roles—especially considering the recent increases in wages driven by a critical need for staffing in the healthcare industry.
More salary data for Lombard, 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 Lombard. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lombard 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