Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $20.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Joliet, IL runs $20.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,452 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,077 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $20.90 in 2026. This rate is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $21.64 for CNAs, highlighting a modest discrepancy in pay within the profession. For those working part-time—say three days a week—this hourly wage can provide a total income that offers flexibility, particularly in settings such as skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities where many CNAs operate. The hourly range for CNAs in Joliet stretches from $16.81 for entry-level positions up to $26.08 for those at the top of the pay scale, illustrating the potential for both new entrants in the field and seasoned professionals to find suitable opportunities in various healthcare environments.
About the Joliet 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) | $16.81 | $134.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.36 | $146.88 |
| Median (P50) | $20.90 | $167.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.59 | $188.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.08 | $208.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $20.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.90/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $43,462 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,074. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $835.81 | $3,622 | $43,462 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $501.49 | $2,173 | $26,077 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $334.32 | $1,449 | $17,385 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Joliet) | $20.90 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $43,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.46% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $43,714.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.90/hr = $26,077/year (purchasing power: $26,856).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,462/year (purchasing power: $44,760).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Joliet grew 42.5% from $13.77/hr (2019) to $19.62/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.25/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
For certified nursing assistants looking to maximize their earning potential, understanding the dynamics of part-time versus full-time work can be crucial. A CNA working three days a week, clocking in around 24 hours, could potentially take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still achieve a manageable work-life balance. Per diem positions also offer lucrative alternatives, with certified nursing assistants able to command rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour when working for agencies, especially during high-demand periods or weekends when premium contracts can reach $30 to $45 per hour. Different employer types throughout Joliet, such as hospitals or home health agencies, may also influence pay rates. Furthermore, CNAs often face the choice between higher hourly rates without benefits or slightly lower rates with health insurance included, making employment decisions complex. Skills in negotiation can also pay off; understanding the local market and being prepared to discuss compensation details can lead to better pay for those in this vital healthcare role.
More salary data for Joliet, 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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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