Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Aurora, IL: $43,188 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Aurora, IL earns a median $43,188/year (≈ $20.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $44,478 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in 2026 is $43,188, reflecting an adjustment in the job market following the post-COVID wage reset. The certified nursing assistant pay in Aurora, IL, ranges from $34,344 at the 10th percentile to $53,398 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential based on experience and work environment. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local cost of living factors. While the Aurora market shows a competitive salary structure, it is slightly lower than the national median salary for this occupation, which stands at $45,007 for 2026, adding context to the local job market dynamics as it strives to attract and retain talent.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,344 | $16.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,703 | $17.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,188 | $20.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,463 | $23.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,398 | $25.68 |
Median Salary Position
4.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, IL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,054 (2026 est.). At $43,188, the local median is 4.04% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Aurora median: $43,188/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,712 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -4.04% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Aurora, IL earn a median of $43,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.04% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.20% below the Illinois state average of $43,712.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $43,188 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,478 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,461
2025 BLS Actual
$40,552
2026 Current Est.
$43,188
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,461 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,603 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,085 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,315 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,656 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,437 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,552 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,188 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,995 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $28,461 (2019) to $40,552 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,995 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,534 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,344 – $36,703 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,703 – $43,188 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,188 – $48,463 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,463 – $53,398 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Aurora
At present, there are 44 certified nursing assistants employed in Aurora, representing a stabilizing workforce in a city where the cost of living index sits at 97.1, below the national average. This affordability can enhance the take-home purchasing power for CNAs. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals typically offer the highest wages, often supplemented by shift differentials that can provide an additional $2-$4 per hour for night shifts and weekend premiums of $1-$3. Factors such as agency premiums during staffing shortages and CMA certification stipends widen the salary gap between lower and higher earners. For those seeking to increase their certified nursing assistant salary in Aurora, IL, pursuing weekend-only roles or considering opportunities that emphasize higher acuity care can prove beneficial as the demand for skilled CNAs continues to evolve.
More salary data for Aurora, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $40,552 for certified nursing assistantsin the Aurora metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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