Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Romeoville, IL: $35,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Romeoville, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,629 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Romeoville's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,693 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($41,861) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, starting certified nursing assistant salary in Romeoville is projected to be around $35,629 for entry-level positions. While this entry-level pay may seem modest compared to the city’s median salary of $41,861, it reflects a realistic threshold for new graduates entering the workforce. Those embarking on their careers in this field can expect gradual salary growth as they gain experience—progressing from the P10 figure through the P25 level of $37,872 and beyond. The local job market appears favorable for recent graduates, particularly as the demand for CNAs has seen an uptick following the staffing challenges many healthcare facilities faced in recent years, indicating a healthy trajectory for those initiating their careers in nursing assistance in Romeoville.
About the Romeoville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Romeoville
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 Romeoville
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Romeoville, IL typically start between $35,629 and $37,872 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,325 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $41,861 — 6.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Illinois of $2,200 represents just 6.17% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($35,629/year) in Romeoville. 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 Romeoville
- 1Research the Romeoville market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $35,629 to $37,872, 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 Romeoville, 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 Romeoville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Romeoville'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 Romeoville is $14,325 ( 40.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,629, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,954.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,646
2025 BLS Actual
$33,454
2026 Current Est.
$35,629
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Romeoville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,424 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,538 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,629 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,454 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,944 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Romeoville, IL grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,646 in 2019 to $33,454 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,944. New graduates entering the Romeoville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Romeoville 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 Romeoville
When exploring employment opportunities, newly certified nursing assistants should target skilled nursing facilities, as these organizations often provide comprehensive training programs that cater to fresh graduates. While hospital systems may prefer candidates with prior experience, they typically offer apprenticeship pathways that can be beneficial for new CNAs. Home health agencies also present a valuable option for those seeking flexible schedules. To enhance starting pay, individuals should consider pursuing additional credentials such as CPR/BLS certification or specialized training like a dementia care certificate. Given the recent staffing shortages that forced many facilities to raise wages, new grads can anticipate steady advancements in their salaries during their first 1-3 years, especially as they build a foundation for a potential transition into LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Romeoville, 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 Romeoville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Romeoville 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