Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Quincy, IL: $51,773 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Quincy, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $51,773/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Quincy's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $53,319 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For dedicated professionals in Quincy, Illinois, who have accumulated significant experience as certified nursing assistants, the compensation landscape in 2026 shows promising prospects. With a median annual salary of $42,441, seasoned CNAs can see their earnings soar up to $51,773, representing the 90th percentile of earners. This top-tier pay reflects the substantial experience premium present in this market, with the difference between top earners and the median illustrating the value of years spent honing essential skills in patient care. To reach such elevated earnings, CNAs often pursue advanced training, specializations, and roles that go beyond standard patient care, positioning themselves strategically within the healthcare system.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Quincy earn between $47,583 and $51,773 per year (2026 est.). This $18,192 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Quincy median of $42,441 sits 5.7% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Quincy | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $42,441 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,583 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $51,773 | $55,359 |
In Quincy, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 21.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Quincy
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $42,441 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Quincy employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Quincy command premium compensation, often reaching the $47,583–$51,773 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Quincy 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 Quincy 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 Quincy
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedQuincy ranks #34 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $51,773).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Quincy ($51,773) is 9.11% below the Illinois average P90 ($56,959).
2019 BLS Actual
$37,989
2025 BLS Actual
$48,613
2026 Current Est.
$51,773
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,989 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,382 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,964 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,014 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,613 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,773 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,138 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Quincy saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $37,989 in 2019 to $48,613 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 $55,138 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
As professionals look to capitalize on their experience in Quincy, specific specializations can significantly enhance earning potential. For instance, roles like restorative aide, medication aide, and hospice aide not only command higher salaries but also offer the chance to develop more profound expertise in niche areas of patient care. Compensation varies across different types of employers; skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies often have distinct pay scales tied to patient volumes and staffing needs. Advancement opportunities, such as charge CNAs or training coordinators, can facilitate further salary increases and lead to rewarding career pathways like transitioning to LPN or RN roles. Additionally, factors like shift differentials, agency premium pay, and advanced certifications—such as that for dementia care—serve as attractive non-salary compensation drivers for engaged professionals in senior certified nursing assistant roles in IL.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Quincy in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Quincy?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Quincy?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Quincy?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Quincy?
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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 $48,613 for certified nursing assistants in the Quincy 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 Quincy 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