Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in East Chicago, IN: $39,026 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in East Chicago, IN earns a median $39,026/year (≈ $18.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in East Chicago's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $42,745 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in East Chicago, Indiana, stands at $39,026, a figure notably lower than the national median of $45,007. The local salary range spans from $32,592 at the 10th percentile to $47,219 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the disparities found within the healthcare sector. These figures, informed by the 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differentials, highlight the differentials in pay based on employment settings. Generally, certified nursing assistants earning higher wages can be found in hospitals, particularly in critical care environments, compared to those working in skilled nursing facilities. This wage discrepancy is important for job seekers to consider when exploring options within East Chicago's healthcare job market.
About the East Chicago Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,592 | $15.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,847 | $16.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,026 | $18.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,517 | $20.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47,219 | $22.71 |
Median Salary Position
13.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Chicago
In East Chicago, IN, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,627 (2026 est.). At $39,026, the local median is 13.29% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Chicago: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Chicago Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
East Chicago median: $39,026/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $40,441 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -13.29% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in East Chicago, IN earn a median of $39,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.29% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $40,441.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Chicago has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Chicago, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,026 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,745 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,718
2025 BLS Actual
$36,644
2026 Current Est.
$39,026
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,718 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,282 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,124 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,644 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,026 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,563 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Chicago metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,718 (2019) to $36,644 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,563 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,845 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Chicago 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) | $32,592 – $34,847 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,847 – $39,026 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,026 – $43,517 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,517 – $47,219 |
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 East Chicago
With only five certified nursing assistants currently employed in East Chicago, the local job market for this role is relatively niche. The cost of living index in the area is 91.3, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may go further than in higher-cost regions. Employers that typically offer the best compensation packages are hospitals and rehabilitation centers, where the demand for skilled care fosters competitive salaries. Factors influencing the pay variance include shift differentials, with night shifts commonly offering an extra $2 to $4 per hour, and weekend work generally providing an additional $1 to $3. Those considering a career as a certified nursing assistant can maximize their earning potential by pursuing shift work, acquiring certifications like CMA for added stipends, and being flexible with scheduling to take advantage of premium pay opportunities in facilities with varying patient acuity.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
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 $36,644 for certified nursing assistantsin the East Chicago 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 East Chicago 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