Nursing Assistants

SOC code 31-1131 · O*NET-SOC 31-1131.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation

Nursing assistant (CNA) certification is among the fastest credentials in healthcare, often four to twelve weeks, and the role is the most common first step toward licensed nursing. Pay is entry-level, but training is frequently employer-funded.

Nursing Assistants pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$42,260

a year

Hourly

$20.32

per hour

10th$33,940Median$42,26090th$51,980

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$42,700

$20.53 per hour

Middle 50%

$37,260 – $47,220

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$33,940 – $51,980

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

1,448,910

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $33,940; $16.32/hr
25th percentile: $37,260; $17.91/hr
Median percentile: $42,260; $20.32/hr
75th percentile: $47,220; $22.70/hr
90th percentile: $51,980; $24.99/hr

What does a nursing assistant do?

Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.
Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.
Position or hold patients in position for surgical preparation.
Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.
Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.
Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements.

How to become a nursing assistant

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 39% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)39%
Post-Secondary Certificate24%
Some College Courses12%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%

Common questions

How much does a nursing assistant earn?

The national median is $42,260 a year. The full range runs from $33,940 at the 10th percentile to $51,980 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a nursing assistant without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.6/5
Monitoring3.3/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Speaking3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Active Learning2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Administration and Management3.3/5
English Language3.3/5
Public Safety and Security3.2/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.1/5
Education and Training3.1/5
Therapy and Counseling3.0/5
Psychology3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making.