Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Tinley Park, IL: $54,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Tinley Park, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $54,035/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Tinley Park's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $55,649 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For experienced professionals in the field, the 2026 projected salary landscape for certified nursing assistants in Tinley Park reveals significant earning potential. Top-tier salaries can soar to $54,035, while those in the 75th percentile can expect to make around $48,992 annually. The gap between the median annual salary of $43,180 and the earnings of top earners illustrates the experience premium available to senior certified nursing assistants. In order to achieve these elevated salary levels, professionals must hone their skills and expertise through years of dedicated service, often specializing in areas that command higher pay and providing invaluable contributions to patient care.
About the Tinley Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tinley Park
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Tinley Park earn between $48,992 and $54,035 per year (2026 est.). This $17,834 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Tinley Park median of $43,180 sits 4.06% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Tinley Park | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $43,180 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,992 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $54,035 | $55,359 |
In Tinley Park, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 25.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Tinley Park
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $43,180 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Tinley Park employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Tinley Park command premium compensation, often reaching the $48,992–$54,035 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Tinley Park 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 Tinley Park 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 Tinley Park
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTinley Park ranks #10 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $54,035).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Tinley Park ($54,035) is 5.13% below the Illinois average P90 ($56,959).
2019 BLS Actual
$39,649
2025 BLS Actual
$50,737
2026 Current Est.
$54,035
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tinley Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,649 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,103 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,182 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,841 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,614 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,987 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,737 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,547 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Tinley Park saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $39,649 in 2019 to $50,737 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 $57,547 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tinley 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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Tinley Park
Senior certified nursing assistants in Tinley Park can enhance their earnings by pursuing specialized certifications and understanding the diverse employer landscape. Roles such as restorative aide, medication aide, and hospice aide are highly sought after, often leading to higher compensation structures across various settings including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. While skilled nursing facilities generally offer competitive pay, specialized areas like dialysis centers frequently provide additional incentives, including shift differentials and specialization premiums. Aspiring professionals can pursue advancement through roles such as charge CNA or training coordinator, which can further elevate their senior certified nursing assistant pay in IL. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials and certifications can significantly impact compensation, as can factors such as weekend and night shifts which often yield higher per-hour rates.
More salary data for Tinley Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Tinley Park in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Tinley Park?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Tinley Park?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Tinley Park?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Tinley Park?
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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 $50,737 for certified nursing assistants in the Tinley Park 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 Tinley 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