The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Joliet, IL

If you're a CNA considering Joliet, you're looking at a workhorse city with deep roots in healthcare and a cost of living that’s still within reach. I’ve lived in the Chicagoland area for years and know Joliet’s rhythms—where the jobs are, which neighborhoods make sense for a shift worker, and how the dollars really stretch. This guide is built on real data and on-the-ground insight. Let’s get into it.

The Salary Picture: Where Joliet Stands

As of the most recent data, the median salary for a CNA in Joliet is $36,038/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.33/hour. This sits just above the national average of $35,760/year, which is a positive sign for a city of its size. The metro area—covering Will and Kendall Counties—has about 295 open CNA positions at any given time, and the 10-year job growth projection is 4%. That’s steady but not explosive; Joliet isn’t experiencing the nursing boom of a Sun Belt city, but demand is consistent due to an aging population and several large care facilities.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Joliet market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Average Hourly Rate	Annual Salary Estimate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$15.50 - $17.00	$32,240 - $35,360
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$17.00 - $19.00	$35,360 - $39,520
Senior	5-10 years	$19.00 - $21.00	$39,520 - $43,680
Expert/Specialized	10+ years / Certifications	$21.00 - $24.00+	$43,680 - $49,920+

Insider Tip: The $17.33 median is your baseline. You can push toward the higher end by working in geriatric psych, dialysis, or at a specialized rehab center. Night shifts and weekends also command a premium of $1.50 to $3.00/hour at most major employers.

How does this compare to other Illinois cities?

• Chicago: A CNA earns closer to $38,000 - $42,000/year, but rent and cost of living are 30-40% higher.
• Rockford: Salaries are similar to Joliet (~$35,500/year), but the metro has fewer major hospital systems.
• Springfield: State capital jobs pay slightly more (~$37,000/year), but the job market is smaller.
• Peoria: Strong healthcare sector (OSF, Methodist) with salaries around $36,500/year.

Joliet offers a balanced equation: pay that meets or slightly beats the national average, with a cost of living that’s manageable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. A CNA earning the median salary of $36,038 is taking home approximately $2,300 - $2,500/month after federal, state (IL flat tax of 4.95%), and FICA taxes. The key variable is rent.

The average 1-bedroom apartment in Joliet rents for $1,507/month. The Cost of Living Index is 102.6 (US average = 100), meaning Joliet is 2.6% more expensive than the national average, primarily driven by housing and utilities.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,400	After taxes, single filer, no dependents
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$1,507	The biggest expense
Utilities	$150	Electric, gas, water, internet
Groceries	$300	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential in Joliet; limited public transit
Gas	$120	Commuting to work, errands
Healthcare	$100	Copays, OTC meds
Personal/Discretionary	$173	Everything else (clothing, entertainment, savings)
Total Expenses	$2,700	This exceeds take-home pay

Analysis: The math is tight. Earning the median $36,038, you are likely "house poor" if you rent a typical 1-bedroom alone. Your discretionary income is minimal, and saving is difficult.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Joliet is around $215,000. With a $36,038 salary, a conventional mortgage would be a stretch. Lenders typically recommend your housing payment not exceed 28-30% of your gross income. For a $36,038 salary, that’s about $840/month. A $215,000 home with a 3.5% down payment (FHA loan) would have a monthly payment (PITI) of roughly $1,700+. This is not feasible on a single CNA income.

Insider Verdict: To make Joliet work on a $36,038 salary, you’ll need roommates (splitting a 2BR apartment can drop housing costs to $800-$900/person) or a partner with dual income. Consider looking in more affordable neighborhoods or considering an older, smaller home in a nearby suburb like Crest Hill or Lockport, where prices can be slightly lower.

Where the Jobs Are: Joliet's Major Employers

Joliet’s healthcare scene is anchored by a few major players. The job market is competitive but steady. Here’s who’s hiring:

1. Silver Cross Hospital (New Lenox): A major regional hospital just south of Joliet. They have a large skilled nursing facility and frequent openings for CNAs in med-surg, ortho, and rehab. They offer sign-on bonuses for night shift ($2,500 - $5,000). Hiring Trend: High demand for stable, long-term CNAs. They value reliability and teamwork.
2. Ascension Illinois (St. Joseph - Joliet & St. Francis - Downers Grove): While the main Joliet campus is smaller, Ascension is a massive system. Check both locations. They have internal "CNA to LPN" bridge programs. Hiring Trend: Actively hiring for per-diem and weekend options, which offer a higher hourly rate.
3. Joliet Area Community Hospice: A respected non-profit. Work is home-based or in their inpatient facility. Requires empathy and independence. Hiring Trend: Steady growth as the population ages. They provide excellent training but have a rigorous hiring process.
4. The Renaissance (Senior Living, Lockport): A large continuing care retirement community (CCRC) adjacent to Joliet. Offers positions in independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Hiring Trend: Constant need due to high resident turnover and expansion. Great for building a diverse skill set.
5. Will County Nursing & Rehabilitation (Joliet): A skilled nursing facility (SNF) in the heart of Joliet. Traditional long-term care hours. Hiring Trend: Always looking for reliable staff. The pace can be fast, but it’s a solid place to gain experience for resume building.
6. Riverside Healthcare (Kankakee, IL): About a 30-minute drive south, but a major employer that draws from the Joliet area. Their salary scale is competitive, and they offer tuition reimbursement. Hiring Trend: Aggressive recruitment for night shift and weekend warriors.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers use "Indeed" and "CareerBuilder" but also post directly on their own websites. Set up job alerts. For hospital positions, a BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is non-negotiable. For SNFs, it’s often required within 30 days of hire.

Getting Licensed in IL

To work as a CNA in Illinois, you must be listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry. The process is straightforward but requires dedication.

1. Complete State-Approved Training: You must complete a minimum 80-hour course (16 hours classroom, 64 hours clinical) from an approved provider. In Joliet, this includes:
   • Joliet Junior College (JJC): Offers a comprehensive program. Cost: ~$1,200 - $1,500. Includes books and certification exam fees. The program is a semester-long.
   • Local Private Schools: Several schools in Will County offer accelerated 2-4 week programs. Cost: $800 - $1,200. Be sure to verify their approval status on the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) website.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After your course, you must pass both a written (or oral) exam and a skills demonstration test. The exam is administered by Credentia (the state's contractor). Fees are ~$140 (often included in tuition).
3. Apply for Registry Listing: Once you pass, your school submits your completion to the IDPH. You can then apply for your certificate on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry (no cost for initial listing).

Timeline to Get Started: From enrollment to being listed on the registry can take 3-6 months, depending on course availability and exam scheduling. You cannot work as a CNA in Illinois until you are on the registry.

Insider Tip: Look for employers like Silver Cross or Ascension that offer "earn while you learn" programs. They may hire you as a Patient Care Tech (PCT) or in a similar role while you complete your CNA training, often with a tuition reimbursement agreement.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Commuting to hospitals and SNFs is key. Joliet is a driving city. Here are neighborhoods to consider, balancing commute, safety, and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers	Insider Take
Downtown Joliet	Historic, walkable, some grit. Close to St. Joseph Hospital.	$1,100 - $1,300	5-15 mins to most Joliet employers.	The most affordable option for a central location. Check specific blocks for safety. Good for those who want to avoid a long commute.
Caton Farm Area	Suburban, family-oriented, newer developments.	$1,400 - $1,600	15-25 mins to Silver Cross, 10-20 mins to downtown Joliet.	Quiet, safe, and close to I-55 for easy access. A solid choice for shift workers who value peace after a long day.
Rock Run (East of I-55)	Mixed residential and commercial, very convenient.	$1,350 - $1,550	10-15 mins to most employers.	One of the best balances. You're close to shopping, dining, and major roads. A popular choice for healthcare workers.
South Joliet (Near 4th Ave)	Working-class, established neighborhoods.	$1,000 - $1,200	5-20 mins to downtown employers, farther from Silver Cross.	The most budget-friendly. Do your homework on specific streets. Older homes, some with character.
Crest Hill (Adjacent to Joliet)	Suburban, very safe, good community services.	$1,250 - $1,450	10-20 mins to most employers.	Technically a separate city but a top choice for CNAs. Feels safer, great for families. Slightly lower violent crime rates.

Commuter Note: A car is a necessity. Public transit (Pace buses) exists but is limited for shift work, especially nights. Factor in $150/month for car insurance (Joliet rates are higher than the state average).

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license is a fantastic entry point, but Joliet offers clear pathways for advancement if you plan strategically.

• Specialty Premiums: As mentioned, specialties pay more. Gaining experience in dialysis (at DaVita centers in Joliet/Plainfield) or geriatric psychiatry (at Silver Cross or Ascension) can push you to the $21+/hour range.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse): The most common step. Joliet Junior College and several local technical schools offer 12-18 month LPN programs. An LPN in Joliet earns $48,000 - $55,000/year.
  2. RN (Registered Nurse): Requires an Associate’s (ADN) or Bachelor’s (BSN) degree. JJC offers an ADN. An RN in Joliet earns $70,000 - $85,000/year. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement.
  3. CNA Specialties: Become a CNA II or Patient Care Tech with additional certifications (phlebotomy, EKG). Some SNFs have CNA "Team Lead" roles.
  4. Administrative/Support: Move into unit clerk, patient transporter, or equipment tech roles with experience.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is stable. The key will be the expansion of home health care and outpatient services. Joliet’s aging population means long-term care demand will remain high. CNAs who specialize or advance to LPN/RN will see the most significant salary increases and job security.

The Verdict: Is Joliet Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 295 jobs and steady growth.	Low Median Salary: $36,038 is tight for a single person with rent at $1,507.
Affordable Training: JJC offers a reputable, cost-effective path.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is not viable for most healthcare shifts.
Manageable Cost of Living: Cheaper than Chicago with similar pay.	Limited High-Paying Specialties: Fewer major research hospitals compared to Chicago.
Clear Career Ladders: Multiple pathways to LPN/RN with local colleges.	Urban Challenges: Some areas have higher crime rates; requires neighborhood research.
Insider Community: A tight-knit healthcare worker network.	Weather: Harsh winters can make commuting and shift work challenging.

Final Recommendation: Joliet is an excellent choice for a CNA who is a career planner. It’s a place to get solid experience, potentially further your education at JJC, and build a life with a lower cost of living than the big city. It’s not ideal for a single CNA expecting a lavish lifestyle on the median wage. If you have roommates, a partner, or are willing to work extra shifts, Joliet can be a financially stable and rewarding home base. If you’re looking for high pay and a fast-paced, urban environment, look toward the Chicago suburbs or the medical district itself.

FAQs

Q: What is the most common CNA job in Joliet?
A: The most common role is in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or long-term care home. These jobs are plentiful but can be physically demanding. Hospital positions are competitive and often require 1-2 years of SNF experience first.

Q: Can I get a job without a car in Joliet?
A: It is extremely difficult. While some employers like Silver Cross are near a Pace bus route, night shift and weekend schedules do not align with public transit. A car is a practical necessity for this career in this region.

Q: Are there per-diem or part-time jobs available?
A: Yes, especially at larger systems like Ascension and Silver Cross. Per-diem work offers higher hourly pay (often $2-$4 more/hour) but no benefits or guaranteed hours. It’s a good way to supplement income or gain experience in different settings.

Q: How do I verify a CNA school in Illinois?
A: Always check the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) website for the official list of approved nurse aide training programs. Do not enroll in a school that is not on this list, as you will not be able to take the state exam.

Q: What’s the biggest "insider tip" for new CNAs in Joliet?
A: Network with other CNAs. Joliet’s healthcare community is smaller than Chicago’s. Word-of-mouth is powerful. If you make a good impression at a clinical site during your training, it can lead directly to a job offer