Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Peoria, IL: $45,838 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Peoria, IL earns a median $45,838/year (≈ $22.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Peoria's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.2), that paycheck buys what $50,244 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Certified nursing assistants in Peoria, Illinois can expect to earn a median annual salary of $45,838 in 2026, which slightly surpasses the national median of $45,007. The salary range for certified nursing assistants varies significantly from $39,522 at the lower 10th percentile to $52,142 at the higher 90th percentile, showcasing the diverse opportunities within this essential healthcare role. These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), highlight the financial realities faced by nursing assistants across different types of employers. Notably, those working in skilled nursing facilities may earn differently than their counterparts in hospitals, reflecting the structural differences in compensation practices influenced by the nature of patient care settings in Peoria.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,522 | $19.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,470 | $19.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,838 | $22.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,607 | $23.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,142 | $25.07 |
Median Salary Position
1.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
In Peoria, IL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,620 (2026 est.). At $45,838, the local median is 1.85% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Peoria: You'd be above the median
How Peoria Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Peoria median: $45,838/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Peoria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,738 | +4.80% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +1.85% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Peoria, IL earn a median of $45,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.85% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.80% above the Illinois state average of $43,738.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Peoria has a cost of living 8.77% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Peoria, IL has a cost-of-living index of 91.231 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $45,838 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,244 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,070
2025 BLS Actual
$43,040
2026 Current Est.
$45,838
2019–2027 Growth
+73.9%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,838 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,817 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Peoria metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 53.3% from $28,070 (2019) to $43,040 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,817 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,747 (73.91%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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) | $39,522 – $40,470 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,470 – $45,838 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,838 – $48,607 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,607 – $52,142 |
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 Peoria
With approximately 2,740 certified nursing assistants employed locally, the job market demonstrates stability amidst a cost of living index of 91.231, indicating that Peoria offers a lower-than-average economic environment. This context enhances the purchasing power of CNA salaries, especially for those considering employment in high-paying sectors such as hospitals or rehabilitation facilities. Shift differentials can significantly impact earnings, with night shifts often yielding an additional $2-4 per hour, and weekend work typically commanding a $1-3 premium. Strategies to maximize earnings may include seeking agency roles during staffing shortages for premium pay or pursuing CMA certifications which often carry stipends. Overall, understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone asking how much do certified nursing assistants make in Peoria, as it directly influences career progression and potential pay increases within the local healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Peoria, 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 $43,040 for certified nursing assistantsin the Peoria 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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