Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$44,750

trending_up +13.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Illinois.

engineering

64,660

Jobs (IL)

monitoring Stable

+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$85

Licensing fees

schedule

1-4 months

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Illinois

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 120 hours, which includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical experience. After completing the training, candidates must pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE). Certification is maintained by working at least one 8-hour shift as a CNA for pay under licensed supervision every 24 months, and a criminal background check is required for all applicants. The Illinois Department of Public Health oversees CNA certification and maintains the Health Care Worker Registry.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,270

25th percentile $38,520

50th (median) $44,750

75th percentile $48,110

90th (experienced) $50,800

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Illinois. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Illinois requirements

Licensing body	Illinois Department of Public Health
State license	Required
Education	120-hour state-approved training program (80 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical) OR equivalent pathways (e.g., nursing student, military training, foreign nurse)
Experience	40.0 hours
Exam	Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE) via SIUC ($85)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age 16. Must have completed at least 8 years of grade school or provide proof of equivalent knowledge. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least one 8-hour shift within the past 24 months under licensed supervision. A criminal background check is required. Must be able to speak and understand English or a language understood by a substantial percentage of a facility's residents. Immunization and health standards must be met.

Source: Illinois Department of Public Health

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual openings

204,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,441,500

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleIllinois license required — clearer credential signal to employers

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a certified nursing assistant in Illinois? expand_more

Illinois requires certified nursing assistants to complete the required education (120-hour state-approved training program (80 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical) OR equivalent pathways (e.g., nursing student, military training, foreign nurse)), gain 40.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE) via SIUC.

Does Illinois require certified nursing assistant licensure? expand_more

Illinois mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. Illinois Department of Public Health oversees the process, which includes passing the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE) via SIUC.

What do certified nursing assistants earn in Illinois? expand_more

In Illinois, the median pay for certified nursing assistants comes to $44,750/year. — 13% higher than the $39,530 national figure. New certified nursing assistants start around $36,270; seasoned professionals can reach $50,800.

How much does it cost to become a certified nursing assistant in Illinois? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($85). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a certified nursing assistant in Illinois? expand_more

Most candidates in Illinois complete the process in 1-4 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.