What to Pay a Certified Nursing Assistant in Chicago, IL (2026)
How to set your CNA pay range in Chicago
Three pay positions, modeled against current Chicago market data. Pick the one that matches your comp philosophy and the role's strategic value.
CNA salary percentile distribution in Chicago, IL
Where the Chicago market actually sits for CNA base pay.
Most Chicago employers building a range for this role anchor the midpoint to the market median ($41,000) and set range width at 30–35% — a min of $36,000 and a max of $47,000. This keeps the band wide enough for experience-based progression without concentrating range penetration at the cap.
Illinois pay transparency compliance for CNA job postings
What you must post when hiring a CNA in Illinois.
| Requirement | Applies When | Penalty for Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Pay scale in job posting | 15+ employees; role in IL | Up to $10,000 per violation |
| Benefits description | All covered postings | Same schedule |
For a CNA role in Chicago, a compliant good-faith range looks like $36,000 to $47,000. A compliant range for this role in Chicago is $36,000–$47,000.
Top CNA employers in Chicago — who you're competing against
Top healthcare employers hiring CNAs in the Chicago metro and what they're posting.
| Employer | Type | Disclosed Range | Sign-on Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advocate Health Care | Integrated health system | $40K–$50K | Common ($2K–$4K) |
| Symphony Care Network | SNF network | $36K–$46K | Very common ($2K–$5K) |
| Northwestern Medicine | Academic medical center | $42K–$52K | Sometimes |
| Cook County Health | Public health system | $38K–$48K | Government benefits |
| Brookdale Senior Living | SNF / assisted living | $34K–$44K | Very common ($2K–$4K) |
CNA talent supply and hiring difficulty in Chicago
How hard is it to fill a CNA role in Chicago.
Skill premiums CNA candidates command in Chicago, IL
| Skill / Credential | Pay Premium | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Bilingual (Spanish, Polish) | +3–6% | High — Polish unusual differentiator |
| Dementia / memory care | +4–6% | Very high |
| Hospice / palliative care | +4–6% | High |
| LPN bridge enrollment | +3–5% | Moderate |
CNA total compensation in Chicago — what candidates expect beyond base
Total rewards mix for CNAs in Chicago. "Prevalence" reflects share of Chicago disclosed-range postings including each element.
| Component | Typical Value | Prevalence in Chicago Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $41,000 (median) | 100% |
| Shift differential | +10–16% premium | ~78% |
| Sign-on bonus | $2,000–$4,500 | ~48% |
| Overtime opportunity | $4K–$9K annualized | ~88% |
| Tuition reimbursement | $2,000–$4,000/yr | ~34% |
| Estimated total comp benchmark | ~$50,000–$60,000 | — |
Shift differentials and sign-on bonuses are typically table stakes rather than differentiators. Tuition reimbursement for LPN-to-RN bridge programs is increasingly the lever that wins competitive offers, particularly for early-career candidates.
CNA pay by setting in Chicago — SNF, hospital, clinic, home health
Where the CNA range splits by employer type in the Chicago metro.
| Setting | Median | Competitive Range | Hiring Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled nursing facility (SNF) | $38,000 | $34K–$44K | High |
| Hospital | $46,000 | $40K–$52K | Moderate |
| Home health | $42,000 | $37K–$48K | High |
| Assisted living | $38,000 | $34K–$44K | Moderate |
| Hospice | $44,000 | $39K–$50K | Moderate |
CNA salary in Chicago vs. other Illinois and nearby metros
What you'd pay if you hired in a nearby metro instead.
| Location | Median Base | vs. Chicago | Hiring Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $41,000 | — | Moderate |
| Detroit–Warren–Dearborn, MI | $36,000 | −12.2% | Moderate |
| Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN-WI | $40,000 | −2.4% | Above national avg |
| Indianapolis, IN | $34,000 | −17.1% | Moderate |
| Illinois statewide | $38,000 | −7.3% | — |
| U.S. national | $38,200 | — | — |
FAQ: hiring a Certified Nursing Assistant in Chicago, IL
Related CNA pay benchmarks — Illinois metros and nearby nursing roles
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Data refreshed May 15, 2026. Next scheduled update: August 15, 2026.
© 2026 BetterComp. Market data informational only — not legal advice.