Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in DeKalb, IL: $42,085 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in DeKalb, IL earns a median $42,085/year (≈ $20.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in DeKalb's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $43,342 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in 2026 is $42,085, which is approximately 6.49% lower than the national median of $45,007. The salary range for these roles spans from $36,186 at the 10th percentile to $52,141 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse array of compensation based on experience and facility type. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflecting the local employment dynamics of the healthcare sector. With the potential for different pay structures between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, those considering a certified nursing assistant position in DeKalb must evaluate which setting aligns with their financial aspirations and career goals.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,186 | $17.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,345 | $18.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,085 | $20.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,185 | $21.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,141 | $25.07 |
Median Salary Position
6.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeKalb
In DeKalb, IL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,955 (2026 est.). At $42,085, the local median is 6.49% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in DeKalb: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeKalb Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
DeKalb median: $42,085/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeKalb Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,747 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -6.49% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $42,085 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.49% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $43,747.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeKalb 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.
DeKalb, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $42,085 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,342 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,734
2025 BLS Actual
$39,516
2026 Current Est.
$42,085
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,734 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,847 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,342 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,438 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,506 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,516 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,085 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,820 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeKalb metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $27,734 (2019) to $39,516 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,820 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,086 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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) | $36,186 – $38,345 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,345 – $42,085 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,085 – $45,185 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,185 – $52,141 |
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 DeKalb
The job market in DeKalb shows a modest presence, with only 9 certified nursing assistants currently employed, suggesting limited competition for roles. The cost of living index at 97.1 indicates affordability compared to the national average, which can enhance purchasing power for local workers. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals generally offer competitive pay, particularly for roles that require specialized skills or night shifts, which can boost hourly rates by $2 to $4. Various factors contribute to the salary range, including weekend premiums and shift differentials, as well as demand-driven agency pay during staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize their earnings in DeKalb, exploring opportunities with higher acuity settings or seeking certifications beyond the CNA level, such as transitioning to LPN or RN roles, could provide significant financial benefits in the long term.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in DeKalb?
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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 $39,516 for certified nursing assistantsin the DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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