How Much Do Nursing Assistants Make?
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Nursing assistants in the United States earn an average annual salary of $39,610, or $19.04 per hour, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With over 1.3 million professionals employed in this role nationwide, nursing assistants play a vital part in our health care system.
These dedicated health care workers provide essential support to patients and nursing staff in various medical settings. Nursing assistants help with daily living activities, monitor patients' conditions, and assist with basic medical procedures. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the world of nursing assistants, exploring how their salaries and job opportunities differ across various locations. We'll also compare this profession to similar roles in the health care field, offering valuable insights for those considering a career in nursing assistance or looking to advance their current position.
Highest Paying States for Nursing Assistants
Nursing assistants play a critical role in the health care system, and their compensation varies significantly across different states. According to the latest data, the following states offer the highest average salaries for this occupation:
- Alaska stands out with an average annual salary of $47,080 and an hourly wage of $22.63, employing 1,710 nursing assistants.
- California closely follows with an average salary of $47,070 and the same hourly wage of $22.63, boasting the highest employment level in this category with 105,750 nursing assistants.
- Oregon offers an average annual salary of $46,970 and employs 13,660 professionals, making it another top-paying state.
Other states with competitive salaries include:
- Washington with an average annual salary of $46,430 and total employment of 36,820.
- New York offers $46,020 annually, with a significant workforce of 84,550 nursing assistants.
These states not only provide attractive compensation packages but also have substantial employment opportunities for nursing assistants, highlighting regional differences in pay within the health care sector.
Comparing Salaries of Health Care Support Roles
When looking at salaries for health care support roles, nursing assistants, orderlies, and psychiatric aides have some notable differences. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistants earn an average annual salary of $39,610, which translates to an hourly wage of $19.04. With over 1.35 million employed in this role, they are the largest group among these positions.
Orderlies earn slightly less, with an average annual salary of $38,440 or $18.48 per hour. There are 48,710 orderlies employed, which is significantly fewer than nursing assistants. Psychiatric aides, while the smallest group with 32,310 employed, earn the highest average salary at $41,000 per year or $19.71 per hour. This data highlights the differences in pay and employment numbers among these essential health care support roles.
Bottom Line
Nursing assistants are an integral part of the health care workforce, providing crucial support to both patients and medical staff. With an average annual salary of $39,610, they represent the largest group among health care support roles. However, salaries for nursing assistants can vary significantly depending on the state, with top-paying regions like Alaska, California, and Oregon offering annual wages exceeding $46,000.
For those considering a career as a nursing assistant, it is important to understand the regional differences in pay and employment opportunities. Key takeaways include:
- Role Importance: Nursing assistants play a vital role in patient care by assisting with daily activities, monitoring health conditions, and supporting medical procedures.
- Salary Insights: While the national average salary is $39,610, states like Alaska and California offer higher compensation, reflecting regional economic conditions and demand.
- Comparison with Other Roles: Among health care support roles, nursing assistants earn more than orderlies but less than psychiatric aides, highlighting variations in job responsibilities and required skills.
These insights can guide individuals in making informed decisions about pursuing or advancing a career in nursing assistance, considering both financial prospects and job availability across different locations.