Career comparison
Certified Nursing Assistant vs. Licensed Practical Nurse
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Licensed practical nurses earn more at the median ($64,400 vs. $42,260), while certified nursing assistants usually get to work faster (4–12 weeks of training). Certified nursing assistants provide hands-on daily care to patients and residents under nurse supervision. Licensed practical nurses give licensed nursing care (meds, wound care and monitoring) in about a year of training.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Certified Nursing Assistant | Licensed Practical Nurse | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $42,260 ($20.32/hr) | $64,400 ($30.96/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $33,940 – $51,980 | $49,740 – $83,440 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.6% (about as fast as average) | +3.0% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 196,200 | 51,800 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 4–12 weeks | 12–18 months |
| Key credential | State CNA certification | NCLEX-PN license |
| Work setting | CNAs work mainly in nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, assisted living and home health. | LPNs work in nursing and residential care facilities, home health, physician offices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and correctional facilities. |
What each job does
Certified Nursing Assistant
- Help patients bathe, dress, groom, eat and use the toilet
- Turn, reposition and transfer patients safely
- Measure and record vital signs, intake and output
- Observe and report changes in condition, skin or behavior to the nurse
- Make occupied and unoccupied beds and keep rooms clean and safe
Licensed Practical Nurse
- Monitor patients and record vital signs and changes in condition
- Administer oral, topical and injectable medications as permitted by state law
- Provide wound care, change dressings and care for catheters and ostomies
- Collect specimens and perform routine tests such as blood glucose checks
- Update care plans and document care accurately
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, hands-on work, and indoor work. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose certified nursing assistant if…
- I’m comfortable helping people bathe and use the bathroom
- I have the physical stamina to lift, turn and walk all shift
- I’m patient with older adults and people with dementia
Choose licensed practical nurse if…
- I want real nursing responsibility without a four-year degree
- I can handle medications and math carefully
- I can lead and direct other caregivers
Still torn? Take the Certified Nursing Assistant fit quiz and the Licensed Practical Nurse fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, certified nursing assistant or licensed practical nurse?
Licensed Practical Nurses earn more at the median: $64,400 versus $42,260 for certified nursing assistants, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Certified Nursing Assistants typically train faster (4–12 weeks) than licensed practical nurses (12–18 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects licensed practical nurses to grow +3.0% from 2025–35, compared with +2.6% for certified nursing assistants.