Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Belleville, IL: $49,398 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Belleville, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $49,398/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Belleville's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $50,873 in average-cost America. The 18% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Belleville, Illinois, experienced certified nursing assistants can anticipate a robust financial outlook, with 2026 projections indicating a top-tier earning potential of $49,398 for the 90th percentile. This competitive figure is complemented by the 75th percentile earning $45,988, showcasing that seasoned professionals significantly surpass the median annual salary of $41,715. Achieving such elevated compensation requires a deep commitment to professional development and advanced training, particularly as the local market showcases an increasing demand for skilled personnel. As nursing facilities adapt to fluctuations in workforce availability, those who specialize or gain additional certifications are especially well-positioned to secure these lucrative roles.
About the Belleville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Belleville
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Belleville earn between $45,988 and $49,398 per year (2026 est.). This $14,131 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Belleville median of $41,715 sits 7.31% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Belleville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $41,715 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,988 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $49,398 | $55,359 |
In Belleville, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 18.42% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Belleville
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $41,715 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Belleville employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Belleville command premium compensation, often reaching the $45,988–$49,398 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Belleville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced certified nursing assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured certified nursing assistants in Belleville with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Certified Nursing Assistants in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Certified Nursing Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Belleville
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBelleville ranks #58 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $49,398).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Belleville ($49,398) is 13.28% below the Illinois average P90 ($56,959).
2019 BLS Actual
$36,246
2025 BLS Actual
$46,383
2026 Current Est.
$49,398
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Belleville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,246 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,576 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,476 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,993 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,528 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,987 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,383 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,398 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,609 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Belleville saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $36,246 in 2019 to $46,383 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $52,609 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Belleville 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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Belleville
Compensation for senior certified nursing assistants in Belleville varies considerably depending on several factors such as specialization and employer type. Roles such as restorative aides, medication aides, and those specializing in dementia care have been shown to command premium pay, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals. Furthermore, there's a notable difference in compensation among employers—hospitals may offer more competitive pay compared to assisted living communities and home health agencies. Leadership pathways such as charge CNA or training coordinator can also lead to increased earnings; certifications beyond the standard CNA—like CPR/BLS or medication aide—further enhance earning potential. Additionally, senior professionals often benefit from shift differentials, where working nights or weekends can result in an extra $2-4 per hour. With Illinois’ nursing assistant roles increasingly evolving into valuable stepping stones towards LPN and RN transitions, the right credentials and strategic career moves can culminate in a rewarding employment experience in the Belleville area.
More salary data for Belleville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Belleville in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Belleville?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Belleville?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Belleville?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Belleville?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $46,383 for certified nursing assistants in the Belleville metro area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Belleville 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