Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Decatur, IL: $21.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Decatur, IL runs $21.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,719 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.4, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,835 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Certified nursing assistants in Decatur, Illinois, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $21.50, which is slightly below the national median of $21.64. For those working part-time, such as on a 3-day-a-week schedule, this translates into a reliable income while balancing other responsibilities. Certified nursing assistants typically work in diverse environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and at-home visits, allowing flexibility in hours and locations. The hourly rates range from $18.63 for entry-level positions to as high as $26.26 for more experienced CNAs, reflecting the variety of skills and responsibilities across different healthcare settings. This data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics information, providing a trustworthy snapshot of what aspiring CNAs can expect in Decatur's job market.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.63 | $149.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.86 | $158.90 |
| Median (P50) | $21.50 | $172.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.90 | $199.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.26 | $210.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $21.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.50/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, IL can expect to earn approximately $44,725 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,803. With a cost-of-living index of 88.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $860.09 | $3,727 | $44,725 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $516.06 | $2,236 | $26,835 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $344.04 | $1,491 | $17,890 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Decatur) | $21.50 |
| 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 Decatur, IL earn a median of $44,719 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.64% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.30% above the Illinois state average of $43,714.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.50/hr = $26,835/year (purchasing power: $30,349).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,725/year (purchasing power: $50,581).
CoL index: 88.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+88.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Decatur grew 66.0% from $12.16/hr (2019) to $20.19/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.90/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
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For a certified nursing assistant working part-time in Decatur, the financial impact of a 24-hour workweek can be significant. Earning $21.50 per hour, a part-time CNA would bring home approximately $26,832 annually, which can be a viable option for those seeking work-life balance. In comparison, agency or per diem certified nursing assistants often find higher hourly pay, ranging from $22 to $32, with potential weekend premiums elevating rates to $30-$45 per hour during high-demand periods. Healthcare facilities, including skilled nursing and rehabilitation hospitals, may offer different rates based on their funding and patient needs, creating a varied earning landscape. While some CNAs accept lower hourly pay for roles that include benefits like health insurance, others might prefer higher wages without benefits for greater flexibility. Negotiations can be especially relevant, and it’s advisable for CNAs in Decatur to assess total compensation carefully when considering job offers, including shift differentials or premium pay options that can enhance overall earnings.
More salary data for Decatur, 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 Decatur. 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