Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Downers Grove, IL: $20.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Downers Grove, IL runs $20.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,725 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Downers Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,041 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Downers Grove, Illinois, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can expect an hourly rate of $20.06 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $21.64. This wage not only reflects the essential services CNAs provide in various healthcare settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health services, but also influences those considering part-time or per diem opportunities. For example, a part-time CNA working three days a week could earn around $1,001.44 weekly, translating to a gross monthly income of approximately $4,336, while the hourly range stretches from $16.97 for entry-level positions to $24.53 for those among the highest earners. Such financial data, derived from annual salary estimates, underscores the competitive landscape for CNAs in Downers Grove.
About the Downers Grove 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) | $16.97 | $135.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.07 | $144.58 |
| Median (P50) | $20.06 | $160.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.52 | $180.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.53 | $196.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downers Grove
Based on $20.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.06/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downers Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $41,734 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,078. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Downers Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downers Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $802.58 | $3,478 | $41,734 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $481.55 | $2,087 | $25,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $321.03 | $1,391 | $16,694 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Downers Grove) | $20.06 |
| 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 Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $41,725 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.29% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $43,736.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.06/hr = $25,041/year (purchasing power: $25,788).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,734/year (purchasing power: $42,981).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Downers Grove grew 42.5% from $13.22/hr (2019) to $18.84/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.37/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 Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time CNAs reveals that they might take home about $48,977 annually by working 24 hours a week, in stark contrast to full-time wages. For CNAs seeking flexibility, per diem roles offer varying rates and can be more lucrative; agency CNAs often command rates between $22 and $32 per hour, especially during high-demand shifts. Weekend contracts may reach premiums of $30 to $45 per hour, reflecting the ongoing healthcare staffing crisis post-COVID. It’s essential to understand that hourly pay in Downers Grove may differ based on workplace types. Skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies can offer distinct pay scales, with other factors such as benefits coming into play. Many CNAs face decisions between accepting a slightly lower hourly wage for comprehensive health benefits or pursuing higher hourly rates without those perks. Those negotiating hourly rates should consider emphasizing any specialized skills or certifications, which can enhance their marketability in a city where the demand for CNAs persists.
More salary data for Downers Grove, 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 Downers Grove. 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 Downers Grove 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