Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $24.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Chicago, IL runs $24.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,991 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,998 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chicago, a certified nursing assistant can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $24.04, significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This competitive pay reflects the essential role CNAs play in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, assisted living apartments, and home care. For part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to substantial earnings, especially when considering the diverse duties performed in patient care. With an hourly range of $19.96 for entry-level positions up to $27.88 for the top earners, the potential for income growth is evident, making the certified nursing assistant role an attractive option for many in the market.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.96 | $159.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.99 | $175.94 |
| Median (P50) | $24.04 | $192.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.12 | $200.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.88 | $223.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $24.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.04/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $49,997 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,844. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $961.48 | $4,166 | $49,997 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $576.89 | $2,500 | $29,998 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.59 | $1,667 | $19,999 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Chicago) | $24.04 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $49,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.07% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 14.30% above the Illinois state average of $43,737.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.04/hr = $29,998/year (purchasing power: $28,957).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,997/year (purchasing power: $48,262).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+79.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Chicago grew 57.8% from $14.30/hr (2019) to $22.57/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.60/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
Considering part-time work, a certified nursing assistant who works 24 hours per week could realistically bring in around $25,000 annually before taxes. This position offers flexibility, allowing many to merge their role with educational pursuits or family responsibilities. For those pursuing per diem or agency roles, the compensation can be even more lucrative, with pay rates commonly ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, and premium weekend shifts potentially offering $30 to $45 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts, though less common, can yield noteworthy pay ranging from $1,000 to $1,800 per week in critical need positions. In Chicago, varying employer types dramatically influence pay rates; skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals generally pay differently than home health agencies and hospice care. Many CNAs find value in securing benefits such as health insurance, even if it means accepting a lower hourly rate. Understanding the nuances of salary negotiation can also empower CNAs in this vibrant market, as higher flexibility often accompanies hourly roles in a city like Chicago.
More salary data for Chicago, 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 Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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