Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Oak Lawn, IL: $42,616 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Oak Lawn, IL earns a median $42,616/year (≈ $20.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Oak Lawn's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $43,889 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Oak Lawn, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $42,616. This figure reflects a competitive local compensation landscape, especially when compared to the national median salary of $45,007, placing Oak Lawn's certified nursing assistant salary at approximately 5.31% below the national average. The salary range for these professionals in the area varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $34,839 and the top 90% making up to $52,217 annually. These estimates are derived from state-level data and regional adjustments based on cost of living, which stands at 97.1, indicating a slightly below-average cost of living in comparison to the national benchmark. As Oak Lawn continues to recover post-pandemic, these salary figures reflect the ongoing adjustments in pay scales and job demand for certified nursing assistants.
About the Oak Lawn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,839 | $16.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,913 | $17.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,616 | $20.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,685 | $22.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,217 | $25.10 |
Median Salary Position
5.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Lawn
In Oak Lawn, IL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,378 (2026 est.). At $42,616, the local median is 5.31% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Lawn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Lawn Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Oak Lawn median: $42,616/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Lawn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,754 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -5.31% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $42,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.31% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $43,754.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Lawn 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.
Oak Lawn, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $42,616 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,889 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,084
2025 BLS Actual
$40,015
2026 Current Est.
$42,616
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,084 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,211 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,171 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,955 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,015 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,616 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,386 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Lawn metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $28,084 (2019) to $40,015 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,386 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,302 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Lawn 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) | $34,839 – $36,913 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,913 – $42,616 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,616 – $47,685 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,685 – $52,217 |
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 Oak Lawn
Local job market dynamics reveal that only 14 certified nursing assistants are currently employed in Oak Lawn, highlighting a niche yet stable demand for this role. The cost of living index suggests that while the purchasing power may be a bit tighter, wages still offer a viable opportunity for those entering the field. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer the most competitive salaries, often providing premium pay for night shifts, weekends, or during staffing shortages. Certified nursing assistants who acquire additional certifications, such as CMA, may also see a significant boost in pay. With an annual growth rate of 6.50%, the market shows promise, especially for those looking to ascend the career ladder toward LPN or RN roles. To maximize earnings, CNAs in Oak Lawn should consider taking advantage of shift differentials, exploring agency opportunities during staffing crises, and actively pursuing additional certifications that enhance their skills and marketability.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, 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 $40,015 for certified nursing assistantsin the Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn 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