Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Champaign, IL: $42,483 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Champaign, IL earns a median $42,483/year (≈ $20.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Champaign's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $45,827 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Champaign is projected to be $42,483 per year, placing it slightly below the national median of $45,007. This pay reflects a competitive range, with the lowest 10% earning around $40,278 and the top 90% making up to $51,961. These figures come from data derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, which highlight the compensation landscape for CNAs within this Illinois city. While many facilities provide substantial pay to certified nursing assistants, the earning potential may differ significantly depending on the type of employer, such as skilled nursing facilities versus hospitals. The insights from Champaign's job market suggest that growth opportunities exist, particularly as the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise post-pandemic.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,278 | $19.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,278 | $19.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,483 | $20.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,736 | $23.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,961 | $24.98 |
Median Salary Position
5.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Champaign
In Champaign, IL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,683 (2026 est.). At $42,483, the local median is 5.61% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Champaign: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Champaign Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Champaign median: $42,483/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Champaign Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,752 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -5.61% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Champaign, IL earn a median of $42,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.61% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.90% below the Illinois state average of $43,752.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Champaign has a cost of living 7.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Champaign, IL has a cost-of-living index of 92.704 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $42,483 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,827 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.87% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,690
2025 BLS Actual
$39,890
2026 Current Est.
$42,483
2019–2027 Growth
+57.7%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,890 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,483 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,244 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Champaign metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 39.0% from $28,690 (2019) to $39,890 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,244 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,554 (57.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Champaign 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) | $40,278 – $40,278 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,278 – $42,483 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,483 – $49,736 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,736 – $51,961 |
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 Champaign
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Champaign IL shows strength, with about 1,560 CNAs currently employed in the area. The city's cost-of-living index sits at 92.704, indicating an affordable environment that can enhance take-home purchasing power for CNAs. Those seeking higher wages may find better compensation opportunities with hospitals, especially in specialized settings like ICUs, which often provide elevated pay rates compared to skilled nursing facilities. Factors such as shift differentials, which can add $2-4/hour for nights and weekends, significantly contribute to the wage spread. Additionally, agencies may offer premium pay during staffing shortages, creating pathways for CNAs to increase their earnings. Aspiring CNAs should also consider obtaining CMA certification or pursuing weekend-only premium roles to maximize their pay in the competitive Champaign market. Taking advantage of these strategies can lead to a fulfilling career and better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Champaign, 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 $39,890 for certified nursing assistantsin the Champaign 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
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