Career comparison
Certified Nursing Assistant vs. Orderly
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Certified nursing assistants earn more at the median ($42,260 vs. $38,290), while orderlies usually get to work faster (1–4 weeks of training). Certified nursing assistants provide hands-on daily care to patients and residents under nurse supervision. Orderlies move patients and equipment and help keep hospital units running.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Certified Nursing Assistant | Orderly | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $42,260 ($20.32/hr) | $38,290 ($18.41/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $33,940 – $51,980 | $32,240 – $50,600 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.6% (about as fast as average) | +4.0% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 196,200 | 7,200 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 4–12 weeks | 1–4 weeks |
| Key credential | State CNA certification | BLS CPR |
| Work setting | CNAs work mainly in nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, assisted living and home health. | Orderlies work in hospitals and nursing facilities, walking much of the day.. |
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
Orderly
- Transport patients
- Help move and reposition patients
- Deliver equipment and supplies
- Clean and set up rooms
- Deliver specimens
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, physical work, teamwork, and shift 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 orderly if…
- I want to start in healthcare
- I like being active
- I’m kind and dependable
Still torn? Take the Certified Nursing Assistant fit quiz and the Orderly fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, certified nursing assistant or orderly?
Certified Nursing Assistants earn more at the median: $42,260 versus $38,290 for orderlies, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Orderlies typically train faster (1–4 weeks) than certified nursing assistants (4–12 weeks).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects orderlies to grow +4.0% from 2025–35, compared with +2.6% for certified nursing assistants.