Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Bloomington, IL

The Salary Picture: Where Bloomington Stands

Bloomington, Illinois isn't a high-wage city for healthcare support roles, but its cost of living makes the paycheck stretch further than in larger metros. For a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), the financial reality is a trade-off: lower-than-average pay for a more affordable lifestyle.

The median salary for a CNA in Bloomington is $34,901/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.78/hour. It’s important to note that this is below the national average of $35,760/year. The local job market for CNAs, with approximately 157 jobs in the metro area, is stable but not booming, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%, which is slower than the national average for the occupation.

Here’s how pay typically progresses with experience in the Bloomington-Normal area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Bloomington)	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$32,000 - $36,000	Often starts near the median. Hospital roles may start at the higher end.
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$36,000 - $40,000	Specialization or shift differentials can push this higher.
Senior/Lead	8-15 years	$40,000 - $44,000	Often involves mentorship or training roles.
Expert/Specialized	15+ years	$44,000+	Rare in this market; usually requires specific certifications or work in niche settings.

How Bloomington Compares to Other Illinois Cities:

• Chicago: Significantly higher pay (often $38,000-$42,000+ for entry-level) but drastically higher cost of living. Rent for a 1BR can easily be double or triple Bloomington's cost.
• Springfield: Very similar to Bloomington in pay and cost of living. There may be more state government-related healthcare jobs.
• Peoria: Slightly higher pay potential ($36,000-$38,000 entry-level) due to the presence of OSF Healthcare and a larger hospital system, but also a slightly higher cost of living.
• Champaign-Urbana: Similar to Bloomington, with a strong university hospital (Carle) influencing the market. Pay is comparable, but the student population can affect rental markets.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a CNA earning the Bloomington median of $34,901/year. This assumes a single filer with no dependents and standard tax deductions.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $34,901 / 12 = $2,908
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, IL State): ~22% = -$640
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,268

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR average): $869
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $150
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Bloomington): $300
• Groceries: $300
• Gas: $120
• Health Insurance (if not employer-covered): $200
• Miscellaneous/Leisure: $150
• Total Expenses: $2,089
• Remaining Buffer: $179

Insider Tip: This budget is tight but manageable. The key is securing affordable rent and having a reliable car. Many local CNAs work 12-hour shifts, which can reduce commuting costs and allow for a side gig on off-days if needed.

Can a CNA in Bloomington Afford to Buy a Home?
It's challenging but not impossible. With a $179 monthly buffer, saving for a down payment would take years without aggressive budgeting. However, Bloomington's median home price is around $180,000. With an FHA loan (3.5% down = $6,300), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $1,200-$1,300. This would require a tighter budget than renting, but it's a long-term goal for some in the field once they advance to mid-career salaries or have a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Bloomington's Major Employers

The healthcare job market here is dominated by a few large, stable systems. Hiring trends favor candidates with strong references and a willingness to work various shifts (including nights and weekends).

1. OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center: The largest employer in the city. This is a Level II Trauma Center and a major teaching hospital. They hire CNAs for med-surg, ICU, ER, and rehab units. Insider Tip: They have a strong internal career ladder; many CNAs start here and later pursue LPN/RN degrees through their tuition reimbursement programs.
2. Bloomington-Normal Estates (Multiple Locations): A network of skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities (e.g., Evergreen Estates, Westminster Village). These are consistent hirers of CNAs. Shifts are often 8-hour, and the pace can be different from a hospital. Hiring Trend: High turnover means frequent openings, but be prepared for physically demanding work.
3. Carle BroMenn Medical Center: Located on the east side of Bloomington, this is part of the Carle Health system based in Urbana. It's a key competitor to OSF and offers similar opportunities. Their focus on community health can lead to diverse patient experiences.
4. Advocate Eureka Hospital: A smaller community hospital on the outskirts. It offers a more intimate setting and can be a good entry point for new CNAs. Commutes from central Bloomington are manageable.
5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and Heartland Home Health hire CNAs for in-home care. This offers more flexible scheduling but less consistent hours and no benefits. Insider Tip: This is a great way to gain experience with different patient populations and build a private client base.
6. McLean County Nursing Home: The county-run facility. Often has stable, unionized positions with good benefits. Can be competitive to get into due to the benefits package.

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has a straightforward but mandatory process. You cannot work as a CNA without being on the state's registry.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 120 hours of training (80 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical). In Bloomington, these are offered at:
   • Heartland Community College (in Normal)
   • Illinois Valley Community College (in Peru, but serves the area)
   • Various private career schools (e.g., Medical Career Institute in Bloomington).
   • Cost: $800 - $1,500. Some nursing homes will sponsor your training if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the state's written and skills exam. The exam fee is $100.
3. Apply for the State Registry: Once you pass, you apply to be listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry. There is no additional fee for the initial registry application.
4. Timeline: From start to finish, with full-time study, you can be a licensed CNA in 6-8 weeks. Part-time programs may take 3-4 months.

Insider Tip: If you are hired by a facility before completing training, they will often pay for it. This is the most common path and saves you the upfront cost, though you'll be locked into a contract.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Location matters in Bloomington. Proximity to major hospitals can cut commute times significantly, especially for shift work.

• Central Bloomington (61701): Closest to OSF St. Joseph and downtown. Older homes, some affordable apartments. Commute: 5-10 minutes to OSF. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000 for a 1BR. Vibe: Urban feel, walkable to some amenities.
• East Side (61704): Near Carle BroMenn and shopping centers. More suburban with single-family homes and apartment complexes. Commute: 10-15 minutes to either hospital. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100. Vibe: Family-friendly, convenient.
• Normal (61761): Home to Heartland Community College and Illinois State University. Rents can be slightly higher due to student demand, but there are affordable pockets. Commute: 15-20 minutes to Bloomington hospitals. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200. Vibe: College-town energy, more amenities.
• South Side (61701): More affordable area with older apartments and homes. Commute: 10-15 minutes to OSF. Rent Estimate: $700 - $900. Vibe: Quiet, residential.
• Near West Side (61701): Adjacent to downtown, mix of historic homes and rentals. Commute: 10 minutes to OSF. Rent Estimate: $750 - $950. Vibe: Revitalizing, diverse.

Insider Tip: For shift work, living within a 10-minute drive is a huge quality-of-life benefit. Consider your vehicle's reliability and winter driving conditions when choosing.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the initial salary is modest, Bloomington offers clear paths for advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with additional certifications can earn slightly more. For example:
  • CPR/BLS Instructor: Can lead to training roles.
  • Phlebotomy or EKG Technician: Combined with CNA, makes you a more versatile candidate for clinics.
  • Geriatric or Dementia Care Certification: Valuable in long-term care settings.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead CNA / Restorative CNA: Takes on mentorship and specialized rehab duties.
  2. LPN: The most common path. Many local employers (OSF, Carle) offer tuition assistance. An LPN in Bloomington earns $48,000 - $55,000.
  3. RN: Requires an Associate's or Bachelor's degree. Salaries jump to $65,000 - $80,000+. Local colleges like Heartland CC and Illinois Wesleyan University offer pathways.
  4. Healthcare Administration/Support Roles: With experience, moving into scheduling, admissions, or medical records is possible.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth, competition will remain steady. The demand will be for CNAs who are reliable, have good soft skills, and are open to shift work. The aging population in McLean County ensures a baseline need for long-term care. The real growth is in the next step—LPNs and RNs are in higher demand.

The Verdict: Is Bloomington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes further, especially for housing.	Below-Average Pay: Salary is below both state and national averages.
Stable Job Market: Major employers like OSF and Carle provide stability.	Slower Job Growth: Limited new openings compared to growing metros.
Manageable Commutes: Easy to live close to work, saving time and money.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Clear Career Ladders: Tuition reimbursement from major hospitals is common.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Quieter, family-oriented city; fewer entertainment options.
Tight-Knit Community: Easier to build professional networks.	Seasonal Winters: Can impact commute and vehicle reliability.

Final Recommendation: Bloomington is an excellent choice for a CNA who prioritizes affordability and work-life balance over maximizing salary. It's ideal for those who are:

• New to the field and want to gain experience at a major hospital.
• Planning to use tuition assistance to advance to LPN or RN.
• Seeking a slower pace of life with a lower financial burden.

If you are a CNA looking for the highest possible wage and a bustling urban environment, you may be better suited for Chicago or a larger metro. But for a pragmatic, financially stable start to a healthcare career, Bloomington is a strong, underrated option.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the CNA job market in Bloomington?
It's moderately competitive. The large hospitals (OSF, Carle) have a steady flow of applicants, but turnover in long-term care facilities creates frequent openings. Having a clean background check and good references is crucial. Insider Tip: Apply directly on hospital websites for the best benefits; use Indeed/Local Job Boards for facility and home health roles.

2. Do I need a car to work as a CNA in Bloomington?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation (Connect Transit) exists but is not reliable for shift work, especially nights and weekends. Most jobs require you to be on time, and a car is essential for commuting and for visiting multiple clients if in home health.

3. What's the cost of the CNA training program? Can I get it paid for?
Costs range from $800 to $1,500. Yes, many skilled nursing facilities and some hospitals will pay for your training if you sign a contract to work for them for a set period (typically 6-12 months). This is the most common route for locals.

4. Are there opportunities for overtime?
Yes, especially at the major hospitals and larger nursing homes. Overtime is often available on weekends and for covering call-outs. This can be a significant boost to your annual income.

5. How does the cost of living in Bloomington really compare?
With a Cost of Living Index of 92.0 (US avg = 100), Bloomington is about 8% cheaper than the national average. The biggest savings are in housing (rent is significantly lower than in Chicago or national metros). Groceries and utilities are closer to the national average. This makes the $34,901 salary go much further than it would in a high-cost area.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Illinois Department of Public Health, McLean County Housing Authority, local employer job postings.