Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Peoria, IL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering Peoria, Illinois.

The Salary Picture: Where Peoria Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Peoria’s healthcare economy is stable but not booming. The demand is steady, largely driven by a population that skews older than the national average. For a Nursing Assistant, this means consistent work, but salaries reflect the region's lower cost of living. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in the Peoria metro is $34,537/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.6/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, a common trade-off for the affordability of the Midwest.

The job market, while not massive, is reliable. There are approximately 226 jobs for Nursing Assistants in the metro area at any given time. Over the next decade, the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which aligns with the national trend for an aging population but indicates a slower expansion than in larger metropolitan hubs.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary progression in this field is often tied to tenure at a single institution or obtaining specialty certifications. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Peoria area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Peoria
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $33,000	Starting at major hospitals or large nursing homes. Often begins with a shift differential for evenings/nights.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$34,500 - $38,000	Reaching the median. May include senior CNA roles or lead positions on a unit.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	Often involves specialty certifications (e.g., dementia care) or moving into a trainer/mentor role.
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$42,000+	Typically requires additional credentials (like a Medication Aide certification) and may involve supervisory duties.

Comparison to Other Illinois Cities

Peoria’s salary is lower than major metros, but so is the cost of living. Here’s how it stacks up against other Illinois cities for CNAs:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Value
Peoria	$34,537	88.6	High
Chicago	$38,000+	116.5	Moderate
Rockford	$33,500	87.2	High
Springfield	$34,000	89.8	High
Champaign-Urbana	$33,000	86.5	High

Data sources: BLS OES, Sperling's BestPlaces.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A salary of $34,537/year translates to approximately $2,878/month before taxes. After federal, state, and FICA taxes (assuming a single filer with standard deductions), take-home pay is roughly $2,300 - $2,400/month.

Peoria’s affordability is its greatest asset. The average 1BR rent is $756/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 88.6 (11.4% lower than the U.S. average). The metro population of 113,442 provides city amenities without big-city congestion or costs.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (CNA Earning Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$756	Can vary by neighborhood; see section below.
Utilities	$150	Includes electric, gas, water, and internet.
Groceries	$300	Peoria has several affordable grocery chains.
Transportation	$200	Car insurance and gas; public transit is limited.
Health/Insurance	$150	Employer-sponsored plans are common.
Miscellaneous	$300	Personal, entertainment, savings.
Total Expenses	$1,856
Remaining	~$444	After take-home pay of $2,300.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but not immediately. With a remaining $444/month, saving for a down payment would take time. However, Peoria’s median home price is around $130,000. With a good credit score and 3-5 years of saving, homeownership is a realistic goal for a CNA in Peoria, unlike in cities like Chicago.

Where the Jobs Are: Peoria's Major Employers

Peoria’s healthcare sector is anchored by a few major players. Hiring is steady, often cyclical with flu season and post-holiday turnover. Here are the key employers:

1. OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center: Located in the Milan/Peoria Heights area. This is a faith-based system with a strong reputation. They prioritize internal promotion and often have tuition assistance for CNAs looking to become LPNs or RNs.
2. UnityPoint Health – Methodist College: Situated in the Downtown/UT Peoria corridor. They have a large network of clinics and a central hospital. They frequently hire for their skilled nursing facilities and home health services.
3. Caterpillar Health & Wellness Clinic: While a corporate clinic, it serves employees and their families. It’s a highly sought-after, cleaner, and more predictable work environment, though positions are competitive.
4. Grandview of Peoria: A large senior living community on the city’s south side. Offers varying levels of care, from independent living to memory care. A great place to gain experience in gerontology.
5. Willow Care Center: Located in Dunlap, a suburb just north of Peoria. A skilled nursing facility known for its rehabilitation services. Commute is easy via I-74.
6. Home Instead Senior Care: For those who prefer non-traditional hours and one-on-one care. This agency serves the entire metro area, from Bartonville to Washington.
7. Peoria County Nursing Home: A government-run facility in Peoria Heights. Offers excellent job security and benefits, though the hiring process can be slower.

Insider Tip: Many CNAs start at a large facility like OSF or UnityPoint to gain experience, then move to a home health agency for higher pay and flexibility, or to a smaller facility for a less chaotic environment.

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has clear, regulated pathways for CNAs via the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

Requirements:

1. Training: Complete a state-approved training program (minimum 120 hours, including 80 hours of clinical practice).
2. Competency Exam: Pass both the written and skills portions of the state competency exam.
3. Background Check: Pass a criminal background check.
4. Registry: Be listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.

Costs:

• Training Program: $800 - $1,500. Many local community colleges (like Illinois Central College) offer programs. Some employers, like OSF or nursing homes, will sponsor your training if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months).
• Competency Exam: ~$125 (paid to the testing vendor).
• Background Check: ~$50.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enroll in a program: Find an IDPH-approved program. ICC in East Peoria is a reputable option.
• Complete training: Typically takes 4-8 weeks for full-time students.
• Schedule exams: After completion, you can schedule your exam within 30 days.
• Registry & Job Search: Once certified, you are on the registry. You can start applying immediately. In total, from start to first job, expect 2-3 months.

Insider Tip: If you’re already a CNA in another state, Illinois has reciprocity. You’ll need to apply for endorsement through the IDPH, which is often faster than starting from scratch.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living close to major hospitals reduces commute stress, especially for 12-hour shifts.

1. Peoria Heights: This is the prime location. It’s walkable, has great restaurants and parks, and is minutes from both OSF and UnityPoint. Commute is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $950.
2. Downtown Peoria/UT Area: Lively, with a younger crowd due to the university. Close to UnityPoint. Parking can be a challenge. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $900.
3. Bartonville: A more residential, quiet suburb on the south side, past the airport. Great for families. Commute to major hospitals is 15-20 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $650 - $800.
4. Dunlap: A growing northern suburb with good schools and a small-town feel. Home to Willow Care Center. Commute via I-74 is fast. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $850.
5. East Peoria: Across the river, connected by the Murray Baker Bridge. Home to Illinois Central College and the Par-A-Dice casino. More affordable, with a mix of urban and suburban. Commute is 10-15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $650 - $800.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate North Valley area for now; it’s undergoing revitalization but can still be rough. Stick to the established neighborhoods listed above for safety and convenience.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook of 4% growth means the field is stable but not rapidly expanding. Advancement requires proactive steps.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medication Aide: After gaining CNA experience, you can take an additional course to become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA). This adds $1.50 - $2.50/hour to your pay.
• Dementia/Alzheimer’s Care Certification: Specialized training can make you a candidate for memory care units, which often pay a premium.
• Phlebotomy or EKG Tech: Some CNAs cross-train into these roles for a pay bump and variety.

Advancement Paths:

1. CNA -> LPN: The most common path. Peoria has several LPN programs (at ICC, Methodist College). Expect a salary jump to $45,000 - $50,000+.
2. CNA -> RN: Requires an Associate’s (ADN) or Bachelor’s (BSN) degree. RNs in Peoria earn $65,000 - $80,000+. Many local hospitals offer tuition reimbursement.
3. CNA -> Healthcare Admin/Supervisor: With experience and additional coursework in healthcare management, you can move into unit clerk or supervisory roles.

Insider Tip: The most successful career climbers in Peoria’s healthcare scene use the employer-sponsored tuition benefits. OSF and UnityPoint are known for this. Don’t just work—use the job to fund your next degree.

The Verdict: Is Peoria Right for You?

Peoria is a practical, no-nonsense choice for a Nursing Assistant. It offers a stable job market, a very low cost of living, and a clear path to advancement if you’re motivated. It’s not a glamorous city, but it’s a place where you can build a solid, comfortable life on a CNA salary.

Pros and Cons for a CNA in Peoria

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches far, especially for housing.	Slower Salary Growth: Raises are incremental; you must seek promotions for significant jumps.
Stable Job Market: Multiple major employers provide job security.	Limited Specialties: Fewer niche medical fields compared to Chicago or STL.
Manageable Commutes: Easy to live close to work.	"Small City" Vibe: Limited nightlife and cultural events if you’re used to a big city.
Pathway to Advancement: Strong community college system and employer tuition aid.	Weather: Cold, gray winters and humid summers.

Final Recommendation:
Peoria is an excellent choice for a CNA who values financial stability, low stress, and a clear path to further education. If your goal is to pay off debt, save for a home, or become an LPN/RN without massive student loans, Peoria is hard to beat. If you crave the energy of a major metropolitan area or need access to highly specialized medicine, you may find it limiting.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new CNAs in Peoria?
A: It’s moderately competitive. New graduates will find jobs, but you may need to start in a long-term care facility or home health before landing a coveted hospital position. Having a clean background and good references from your clinicals is key.

Q: Is it possible to work at multiple facilities?
A: Yes, but be transparent. Many facilities have policies against working for direct competitors. Home health agencies are more flexible. Always check your employer’s policy.

Q: What’s the typical shift for a CNA in Peoria?
A: 12-hour shifts (7am-7pm or 7pm-7am) are common in hospitals and large nursing homes, offering more days off. Clinics and some home health roles offer more traditional 8-hour days, Monday-Friday.

Q: How far is the drive from the suburbs?
A: Very reasonable. From Dunlap or Bartonville, it’s a 15-20 minute drive to the major hospitals. From Washington or Morton, it’s about 20-25 minutes. Traffic is rarely an issue unless there’s an accident on I-74.

Q: Where can I find the official list of approved training programs?
A: The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains the official list of Nurse Aide Training Programs on their website. Always verify a program is on this list before enrolling.

Data sources for this guide include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and local market analysis from Sperling's BestPlaces and community college program listings.