Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Springfield, IL

The Salary Picture: Where Springfield Stands

As a local who’s watched healthcare hiring cycles for years, the first thing you need to know is that Springfield’s pay for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) is tightly tethered to the cost of living. The median salary for a CNA in Springfield is $34,740/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.7/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, but it punches above its weight when you factor in the local cost of living. Springfield isn’t a high-cost metro like Chicago or even St. Louis, so that $16.7/hour goes much further here.

To give you a concrete sense of progression, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Springfield market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Springfield
Entry-Level (0-1 year)	$31,000 - $33,500	Basic patient care, mobility assistance, vital signs, working under direct RN/LPN supervision in facilities like nursing homes or smaller clinics.
Mid-Career (2-5 years)	$34,740 - $38,000	Increased autonomy, specialized unit experience (e.g., rehab, dementia care), mentoring new hires, often leading to shift lead roles.
Senior (5-10 years)	$38,500 - $42,000	Expertise in complex cases, potential for PRN (as-needed) roles at multiple employers, often involved in training or quality improvement projects.
Expert (10+ years)	$42,500+	Rare for pure CNA roles; most at this level have transitioned into LPN or other roles. Some stay as "super CNAs" in highly specialized units (e.g., hospice, dialysis) or move into agency work.

When you compare Springfield to other Illinois cities, the picture gets clearer. Chicago’s median is closer to $38,500, but a one-bedroom apartment there averages over $1,500/month. In Springfield, the average 1BR rent is $873/month. Peoria and Rockford offer similar salaries to Springfield but have different healthcare ecosystems. Rockford leans heavily on Mercyhealth and UW Health, while Peoria is dominated by OSF and UnityPoint. Springfield’s market is more consolidated, which can mean less competition for jobs but also fewer large employers to choose from.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for CNAs in the metro area is only 4%. This isn't a growth industry; it's a replacement industry. Turnover is high. The 224 jobs in the metro are always being backfilled. Persistence and networking are your best tools. Getting your foot in the door at a major hospital often requires starting in a sub-acute or nursing home setting first.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. On a $34,740 annual salary, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Illinois state tax (4.95%), and FICA (7.65%) will be approximately $26,500 - $27,500 annually, or roughly $2,200 - $2,300 per month. This is an estimate; your exact take-home depends on your W-4 withholdings and benefits.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Springfield CNA earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$873	The city average. You can find cheaper ($750) in older buildings or more expensive ($1,000+) in new complexes.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, water, and trash. Winter heating costs can spike this.
Groceries	$300	A single person. Shop at Aldi or Hy-Vee for best value.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Highly variable. Springfield is a car-dependent city; reliable transport is non-negotiable for shift work.
Gas	$120	Commuting to different neighborhoods adds up.
Health Insurance	$100	If employer covers a portion; higher if you use ACA marketplace.
Phone/Internet	$80
Miscellaneous	$200	Toiletries, clothes, personal care.
Total Essentials	~$2,123
Leftover	$77 - $177	This is your savings, emergency fund, or discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home? On this salary alone, it’s a significant challenge. The median home price in Springfield is around $140,000. A 20% down payment is $28,000, which is over a year’s net income. With an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$4,900), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,000-$1,100. This would consume nearly half of your take-home pay, putting you in a very tight "house-poor" situation. It’s not impossible, but it requires a dual-income household, significant savings, or moving to a less expensive property type (like a condo or a smaller fixer-upper at the low end of the market.

Insider Tip: Many local CNAs live with roommates or partners to make homeownership feasible. The neighborhoods south of I-72 (like Southern View or Jerome) often have more affordable starter homes.

Where the Jobs Are: Springfield's Major Employers

Springfield’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few key players. The 224 jobs in the metro are concentrated here. Hiring trends are consistent: facilities are always short-staffed, especially on night and weekend shifts. New grads often start in long-term care to gain experience before applying to hospitals.

1. Memorial Health System (MHS): The largest employer. Includes Memorial Medical Center (the region’s only Level II Trauma Center) and a network of outpatient clinics. They hire CNAs for Med-Surg, Ortho/Neuro, Critical Care, and their long-term care facility, Villa Maria. Hiring Trend: They have a "float pool" for CNAs, offering higher pay for flexibility. Check their careers page weekly.
2. HSHS St. John’s Hospital: Part of the Hospital Sisters Health System. A major competitor to MHS. Known for its cardiac and cancer centers. They employ CNAs in various units and at their affiliated skilled nursing facilities. Hiring Trend: They prioritize internal promotions. Getting a job as a Unit Secretary or Patient Care Tech (which is essentially a CNA role) is a common pathway.
3. Springfield Clinic: A large, multi-specialty physician group. They hire CNAs for their specialty clinics (e.g., Oncology, Orthopedics) and urgent care centers. The work is typically Monday-Friday, 8-5, with no weekends or holidays—a huge lifestyle benefit. Hiring Trend: Positions here are competitive due to the schedule. Experience in a specialty area helps.
4. Senior Care (Nursing Homes): There are several large facilities, including Villa Maria (linked to MHS), Alzheimer’s Care Center, and various for-profit chains like Symphony. Hiring Trend: These are the most accessible entry points. Expect to work every other weekend and holidays. The patient population is often more stable but can be physically demanding (transfer-heavy).
5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Comfort Keepers or local agencies provide in-home care. Pay can be slightly lower ($15-16/hr), but you get more one-on-one time with patients. Hiring Trend: They need reliable staff for morning/evening shifts. Mileage reimbursement is standard.
6. SIU School of Medicine: Their Family Medicine Center and other clinics sometimes hire CNAs for clinical support roles. These are often tied to the university system, offering good benefits and a different pace.

Insider Tip: The best time to apply is January-March (post-holiday turnover) and late summer (before winter flu season). Avoid applying in December. Network on LinkedIn with CNAs who work at MHS or St. John’s; many are open to sharing referrals.

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has a clear but non-negotiable path to licensure. You cannot work as a CNA without certification.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must attend a 75-hour course (minimum) at an approved facility. In Springfield, this includes:
   • Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC): The most reputable and affordable option. Their program costs about $800-$1,000. They offer day and evening classes.
   • Local Nursing Homes: Many (like Villa Maria or Alzheimer’s Care Center) offer free or low-cost training in exchange for a 6-12 month work commitment. This is the most common route for locals.
   • Private Schools: Several exist, but costs can be higher ($1,200+). Verify they are on the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) approved list.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: The exam has two parts: a written/oral test and a skills demonstration. You must pass both. The exam fee is approximately $125-$150 (paid to the testing vendor, Headmaster or Credentia).
3. Apply for State Registration: Once you pass the exam, your name is added to the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry. This is managed by the IDPH. There is no additional state application fee if you pass the exam.
4. Background Check: A criminal background check is required. Some convictions may disqualify you. The cost is about $25-$50 and is usually initiated by your employer or training program.

Timeline: From start to finish, it can take as little as 6-8 weeks if you take an accelerated course (evenings/weekends) and get a quick exam date. A more traditional schedule through LLCC might take a full semester (3-4 months). The biggest delay is often getting a slot for the state exam, especially in Springfield where there are limited testing sites.

Insider Tip: If you have any criminal record (even non-violent), consult with the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry before spending money on training. They can provide a preliminary determination.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live affects your commute, which is critical for 12-hour shifts. Springfield is a driving city, but some areas are more strategic than others.

1. Southwest Springfield (Near I-72 & MacArthur):

   • Commute: Excellent. You’re 10-15 minutes from Memorial Medical Center and 15 minutes from St. John’s. Easy access to the highway.
   • Lifestyle: Residential, quiet, middle-class. Close to shopping (White Oaks Mall area) and restaurants.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $950/month for a 1BR. More options for 2BR if you have a roommate.
   • Best For: Shift workers who value a quick, predictable commute and a quieter home life.

2. Springfield City Center / Downtown:

   • Commute: Walkable or very short drive to St. John’s and Springfield Clinic’s main campus.
   • Lifestyle: Urban, historic, with more apartments and lofts. Home to the State Capitol and museums. Can be noisier.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $900/month for older 1BR apartments. Newer lofts are $1,100+.
   • Best For: Those who want a walkable lifestyle and work at St. John’s or downtown clinics. Not ideal if you work at Memorial (a 15-20 minute drive).

3. North Springfield (Around Sangamon Ave):

   • Commute: Good to both hospitals (15-20 mins). Close to LLCC where many get their training.
   • Lifestyle: Established neighborhoods, more single-family homes. Mix of older and newer builds.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $900/month for a 1BR. More rental houses available.
   • Best For: CNAs attending LLCC or those who want a balance of city and suburban feel.

4. Southern View / Jerome (East Side):

   • Commute: A bit longer to Memorial (20-25 mins) but easy access to I-72. St. John’s is about 20 mins.
   • Lifestyle: Very affordable, working-class neighborhoods. Some areas are less polished but have a strong community feel.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $800/month for a 1BR. The most budget-friendly option.
   • Best For: CNAs on a tight budget who don’t mind a longer commute. Good for first-time renters.

5. Lakewood / Leland Grove (South):

   • Commute: Similar to Southwest but more affluent. 15-20 mins to both hospitals.
   • Lifestyle: Safe, scenic, with parks and golf courses. Mostly single-family homes, but some apartments exist.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100/month for a 1BR. You pay a premium for the area.
   • Best For: Established CNAs with a higher income or those with families.

Insider Tip: Avoid renting in the immediate vicinity of the State Capitol complex if you want budget-friendly options; prices are inflated. Check Facebook Marketplace for rentals, but always verify with the Illinois Realtor’s Association to avoid scams.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Springfield is a stable job, but it’s not a long-term career unless you advance. The 10-year outlook shows minimal 4% job growth, meaning the field isn’t expanding. Advancement is almost entirely through further education.

• Specialty Premiums: You can earn slightly more (maybe $1-$2/hour extra) by gaining certifications like:
  • CPR/BLS: Mandatory.
  • Dementia Care: Offered by MHS or through private courses.
  • Restorative Nursing: Makes you valuable in rehab units.
  • Phlebotomy or EKG Tech: Some facilities cross-train CNAs. This can bump you into a "Patient Care Tech" role with higher pay.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): The most common path. LLCC offers a 1-year LPN program. Springfield’s LPNs earn a median of $51,000/year, a significant jump. Hospitals and nursing homes both hire LPNs.
  2. Registered Nurse (RN): Requires an Associate’s (2 years) or Bachelor’s (4 years) degree. LLCC’s ADN program is a popular, affordable route. RNs in Springfield have a median salary of $72,000/year and vastly more opportunities.
  3. Healthcare Administration: Some move into roles like unit clerk, scheduling, or billing, using their clinical experience as a foundation.
  4. Agency/Travel CNA: After years of experience, some work for agencies that staff multiple facilities. This offers higher hourly pay (often $18-$22/hour) but no benefits and less stability.

10-Year Outlook: In a decade, you could be an LPN or RN earning $50k-$75k+, with better schedules and job security. If you stay a CNA, you might see your wage rise to the $18-$20/hour range with experience, but you’ll still be ineligible for most advancement roles. The key is to start your LPN or RN prerequisites now while working as a CNA. LLCC has a dedicated "PN to RN" bridge program.

The Verdict: Is Springfield Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons for a CNA considering Springfield.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $34,740 salary goes much further here than in larger metros.	Stagnant Wage Growth: The $16.7/hour median doesn’t rise quickly without advanced degrees.
Stable Job Market: With 224 jobs and high turnover, RNs are almost always hiring.	Limited Growth: The 4% job growth means competition for better positions is fierce.
Multiple Major Employers: You have options (MHS, St. John’s, Clinic, nursing homes).	Car-Dependent City: You need a reliable vehicle; public transit is limited.
Central Location: Easy access to other Illinois cities (Chicago, Peoria, St. Louis) for weekend trips.	Small-Town Feel: Can lack the cultural diversity and excitement of larger cities.
Gateway to Advancement: LLCC provides a clear, affordable path to LPN/RN.	Winters Can Be Harsh: Snow and ice can make commuting to 12-hour shifts challenging.

Final Recommendation: Springfield is an excellent choice for a new CNA or a mid-career professional seeking stability and affordability. It’s a practical, no-nonsense city where you can build a solid foundation in healthcare. If your goal is to become an LPN or RN within the next 3-5 years, Springfield’s community college system makes it one of the most cost-effective places in the country to do so. However, if you’re a seasoned CNA looking for a significant hourly wage increase without further education, or if you crave