Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Oak Park, IL: $43,417 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Oak Park, IL earns a median $43,417/year (≈ $20.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Oak Park's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $44,714 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Oak Park is projected to reach a median annual figure of $43,417, placing it slightly below the national median of $45,007. The local salary range spans from $33,483 at the 10th percentile to $52,044 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a varied landscape of compensation for those in the profession. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for local price parity, reflect the post-COVID wage reset that has influenced pay scales across many healthcare roles. While Oak Park offers competitive pay for certified nursing assistants, the job market here presents unique opportunities and challenges that aspiring professionals should consider.
About the Oak Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,483 | $16.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,520 | $19.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,417 | $20.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,890 | $23.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,044 | $25.02 |
Median Salary Position
3.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Park
In Oak Park, IL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,561 (2026 est.). At $43,417, the local median is 3.53% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Oak Park: You'd be above the median
How Oak Park Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Oak Park median: $43,417/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,723 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -3.53% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Oak Park, IL earn a median of $43,417 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.53% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $43,723.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Park 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 Park, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $43,417 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,714 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,612
2025 BLS Actual
$40,767
2026 Current Est.
$43,417
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,612 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,239 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,497 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,767 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,417 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,239 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Park metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $28,612 (2019) to $40,767 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,239 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,627 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Park 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) | $33,483 – $39,520 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,520 – $43,417 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,417 – $47,890 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,890 – $52,044 |
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 Park
Within Oak Park, the local job market for certified nursing assistants remains stable with about 10 individuals employed in this field, even as the cost of living hovers below the national average at 97.1. This relatively low cost of living can enhance purchasing power for CNAs, contributing positively to their overall financial well-being. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies tend to offer the highest wages, especially those equipped to handle high-acuity care. Factors like shift differentials, which can add $2 to $4 per hour for night shifts and $1 to $3 for weekend work, significantly influence earnings. Additionally, taking advantage of agency premium pay during staffing shortages and pursuing certifications that elevate one's skill set can further increase earning potential. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Oak Park, understanding these dynamics and strategically planning career moves are essential steps for financial advancement.
More salary data for Oak Park, 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 $40,767 for certified nursing assistantsin the Oak Park 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 Park 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