Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Elmhurst, IL: $41,372 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Elmhurst, IL earns a median $41,372/year (≈ $19.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Elmhurst's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $42,608 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmhurst, Illinois, the certified nursing assistant salary sits at a projected median of $41,372 for 2026, reflecting the impact of the post-COVID wage reset in the healthcare sector. This figure, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, indicates a salary range between $34,426 at the 10th percentile and $48,446 at the 90th percentile. While this local median is lower than the national estimate of $45,007, it demonstrates a competitive wage landscape amid the ongoing recovery in healthcare employment. The Elmhurst job market is shaping up as employers strive to attract talent with better compensation in light of increased turnover and staffing shortages.
About the Elmhurst Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,426 | $16.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,849 | $17.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,372 | $19.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,152 | $21.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,446 | $23.29 |
Median Salary Position
8.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elmhurst
In Elmhurst, IL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,020 (2026 est.). At $41,372, the local median is 8.08% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Elmhurst: You'd be above the median
How Elmhurst Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Elmhurst median: $41,372/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elmhurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,734 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -8.08% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $41,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.08% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $43,734.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elmhurst 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.
Elmhurst, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $41,372 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,608 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,265
2025 BLS Actual
$38,847
2026 Current Est.
$41,372
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,265 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,358 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,872 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,115 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,905 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,847 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,372 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,061 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elmhurst metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $27,265 (2019) to $38,847 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,061 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,796 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmhurst 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) | $34,426 – $36,849 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,849 – $41,372 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,372 – $45,152 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,152 – $48,446 |
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 Elmhurst
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Elmhurst is currently supported by the employment of just nine individuals in this role, indicating a small but significant presence. The cost of living index is at 97.1, suggesting that take-home pay maintains reasonable purchasing power despite being lower than the national average. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the most competitive pay, especially when considering shift differentials that can add $2 to $4 per hour for night shifts and up to $3 for weekends. Factors such as premium pay during staffing shortages and certification stipends for certified medication aides can also drive wages higher. Those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Elmhurst should consider pursuing further certifications and exploring weekend or night roles that often yield significantly higher earnings.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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 $38,847 for certified nursing assistantsin the Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst 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