Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Peoria, IL: $39,522 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Peoria, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,522 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 91.2 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,321 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,838) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of certified nursing assistants in Peoria, Illinois, can expect a starting salary around $39,522, which is on the lower end when compared to the city's median annual salary of $45,838. This gap illustrates the reality that while entry-level positions offer an opportunity to gain essential experience, there is significant room for salary growth as CNAs progress in their careers. Over the first three to five years, entry-level professionals can realistically anticipate an upward trajectory, with potential earnings in the $40,470 range as they establish themselves in the workforce. Given the increasing demand for healthcare workers and a projected annual growth rate of 6.50% in the field, Peoria currently presents a favorable job market for those embarking on their career right now.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
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 Peoria
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Peoria, IL typically start between $39,522 and $40,470 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,620 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,838 — 1.85% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Illinois of $2,200 represents just 5.57% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($39,522/year) in Peoria. 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 Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $39,522 to $40,470, 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria's below-average 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 Peoria is $12,620 ( 31.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,522, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,142.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,460
2025 BLS Actual
$37,110
2026 Current Est.
$39,522
2019–2027 Growth
+79.4%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,522 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,091 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, IL grew 58.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,460 in 2019 to $37,110 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,091. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
Many local employers are eager to hire new certified nursing assistants, particularly skilled nursing facilities that often provide paid training programs for aspiring CNAs. While hospital systems might prefer candidates with prior experience, they frequently offer apprenticeship pipelines for new grads. Home health agencies also present opportunities, especially for those who can work flexible hours. To enhance earning potential, obtaining additional credentials, such as CPR/BLS certification or specializing as a medication aide, may be advantageous. Furthermore, the first few years in this role are a strategic time for CNAs to consider bridging into LPN or RN pathways due to the competitive landscape shaped by post-COVID turnover. After gaining experience, CNAs can expect salary increases as they pursue these higher-level certifications, reflecting the evolving needs of the healthcare sector in Peoria.
More salary data for Peoria, 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 Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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