Orderlies vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Nursing Assistantss out-earn Orderliess by $4K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Orderliess land at $38,290 and Nursing Assistantss at $42,260. The education gap is real: orderly programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while nursing assistant programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Orderliess is California ($49,920); for Nursing Assistantss it's Oregon ($49,830).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Orderlies median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Orderliess or Nursing Assistantss?
Nursing Assistantss earn more nationally. The median is $38,290 for Orderliess versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistantss, a difference of $4K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Orderlies or Nursing Assistants?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Orderlies or Nursing Assistants?
Orderlies typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Nursing Assistants requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Orderliess get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Orderliess at $49,920/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Orderlies vs. Nursing Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Orderliess earn $49,920 vs. $47,630 for Nursing Assistantss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.