Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Carol Stream, IL: $20.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Carol Stream, IL runs $20.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,404 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Carol Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,439 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Carol Stream, Illinois, a certified nursing assistant can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $20.38, which falls slightly below the national median of $21.64. This pay rate provides an attractive option for part-time workers, especially those considering roles across various healthcare environments, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. Individuals working part-time, for instance three days a week, can effectively balance their schedules while earning a competent hourly wage. For those just starting in the profession, entry-level positions could pay as low as $16.10, whereas seasoned professionals could earn about $24.84 per hour. It’s important to recognize that these figures derive from projected annual salary estimates, giving a clear financial overview for prospective CNAs in the region.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.10 | $128.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.77 | $150.12 |
| Median (P50) | $20.38 | $163.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.83 | $182.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.84 | $198.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carol Stream
Based on $20.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.38/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carol Stream, IL can expect to earn approximately $42,399 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,461. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carol Stream.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carol Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $815.36 | $3,533 | $42,399 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $489.22 | $2,120 | $25,439 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $326.15 | $1,413 | $16,960 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Carol Stream) | $20.38 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $42,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.78% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $43,716.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.38/hr = $25,439/year (purchasing power: $26,199).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,399/year (purchasing power: $43,665).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Carol Stream grew 42.5% from $13.43/hr (2019) to $19.14/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.71/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Carol Stream
The earning potential for certified nursing assistants in Carol Stream can vary significantly depending on their employment setting and work arrangement. For part-time CNAs working 24 hours a week, the annual pay translates to about $25,286, which is notably lower than what full-time CNAs earn. However, many CNAs explore per diem roles where agencies may offer rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour. In high-demand areas, weekend contracts can fetch between $30 and $45 per hour, providing lucrative opportunities, albeit sometimes requiring more flexibility. The setting also influences pay, with hospitals and rehabilitation centers often offering higher rates than traditional nursing homes. Many CNAs face the decision of opting for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance or pursuing higher pay without benefits. This trade-off necessitates careful negotiation, and prospective CNAs should assess their value based on local demand and their skills to secure competitive per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Carol Stream.
More salary data for Carol Stream, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Carol Stream. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carol Stream 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