Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Gurnee, IL: $43,099 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Gurnee, IL earns a median $43,099/year (≈ $20.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Gurnee's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $44,386 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Gurnee, Illinois, is projected to reach a median of $43,099, slightly below the national average of $45,007. The local salary range showcases considerable variation, with the lowest earners making approximately $35,205 and the top-tier professionals earning up to $49,693. These figures reflect adjustments based on 2025 BLS data alongside regional price parities, indicating a conscious recalibration of wages in response to the post-COVID labor market changes. As Gurnee continues to rebound from pandemic impacts, the evolving salary standards highlight a significant opportunity for those entering or advancing in the field of nursing assistance, particularly given the growing demand for healthcare services in the area.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,205 | $16.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,900 | $18.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,099 | $20.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,564 | $22.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,693 | $23.89 |
Median Salary Position
4.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gurnee
In Gurnee, IL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,488 (2026 est.). At $43,099, the local median is 4.24% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Gurnee: You'd be above the median
How Gurnee Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Gurnee median: $43,099/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gurnee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,756 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -4.24% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Gurnee, IL earn a median of $43,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.24% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $43,756.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gurnee 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.
Gurnee, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $43,099 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,386 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,403
2025 BLS Actual
$40,469
2026 Current Est.
$43,099
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,403 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,543 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,025 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,244 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,581 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,362 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,469 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,099 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,901 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gurnee metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $28,403 (2019) to $40,469 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,901 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,498 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee 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) | $35,205 – $37,900 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,900 – $43,099 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,099 – $46,564 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,564 – $49,693 |
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 Gurnee
The job market in Gurnee currently employs eight certified nursing assistants, demonstrating a stable demand despite fluctuations in the healthcare sector. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the take-home purchasing power for CNAs in the area is favorable, allowing for a quality lifestyle relative to income. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest salaries, particularly those involved in critical care and rehabilitation. The wage disparity often hinges on factors such as shift differentials, with night shifts commanding an additional $2 to $4 per hour and weekend shifts adding $1 to $3. CNAs eager to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Gurnee IL should consider roles in high-acuity settings, seek out positions with premium pay due to staffing shortages, and explore incentives for additional certifications. This strategic approach not only enhances earning potential but also serves as a foundation for advancing toward LPN or RN pathways in a progressive healthcare career.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 $40,469 for certified nursing assistantsin the Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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