How much is the registered nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in Illinois?

The reported gap in Illinois is about $50,030 a year, or roughly 109% more for registered nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.

Are these Illinois figures exact?

They're the median wages actually reported for Illinois — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.

Why are some figures verified and others estimates?

National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

Illinois · IL

Registered Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Illinois

In Illinois, registered nurses earn more — an estimated $95,990 a year versus $45,960 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $50,030 (roughly 109% more). Both are estimates based on national pay for each role adjusted for Illinois.

Registered Nurse — Illinois

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$95,990

Near national

Hourly

$46.15/hr

Median $95,990

$69,170Middle 50%: $80,020–$105,960$118,190

Typical range: $80,020–$105,960; What most nurses earn
High end: $118,190; Top earners
Entry level: $69,170; Newer nurses

Nursing Assistant (CNA) — Illinois

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$45,960

+9% vs national

Hourly

$22.10/hr

Median $45,960

$37,590Middle 50%: $39,420–$48,380$54,050

Typical range: $39,420–$48,380; What most nurses earn
High end: $54,050; Top earners
Entry level: $37,590; Newer nurses

Why the gap in Illinois

Registered nurses earn substantially more than certified nursing assistants because the RN is a licensed professional role requiring an ADN or BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN, while the CNA is an entry-level certificate role focused on assisting with basic patient care. The gap reflects differences in scope of practice, education, and clinical responsibility. The Illinois figures apply the same local pay adjustment to both roles, so the gap here mirrors the national picture, shifted for Illinois's cost of labor. Actual pay varies with experience, specialty, shift, and employer — compare the national Registered Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) comparison or personalize the calculator.

Registered Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois — FAQ

Do registered nurses or nursing assistant (cna)s earn more in Illinois?: In Illinois, registered nurses earn more — $95,990 a year versus $45,960 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $50,030 (roughly 109% more). Both are median wages reported for Illinois in official public wage data.
How much is the registered nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in Illinois?: The reported gap in Illinois is about $50,030 a year, or roughly 109% more for registered nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.
Are these Illinois figures exact?: They're the median wages actually reported for Illinois — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.
Why are some figures verified and others estimates?: National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

Source & confidence— A verified figure from official U.S. public wage data.

BLS OEWS (May 2025, state)

Illinois figures are published directly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Illinois (May 2025). They are not estimated or adjusted.

Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Full methodology

Estimated figures for Illinois. Last reviewed July 17, 2026.