Orderlies vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Nursing Assistants out-earn Orderlies by $4K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Orderlies land at $38,290 and Nursing Assistants 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 Orderlies is California ($49,920); for Nursing Assistants 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, Orderlies or Nursing Assistants?
Nursing Assistants earn more nationally. The median is $38,290 for Orderlies versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistants, a difference of $4K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Orderlies or Nursing Assistants?
Orderlies has the better 10-year outlook at 3.3% projected growth, compared to 2.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Orderlies get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Orderlies 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, Orderlies earn $49,920 vs. $47,630 for Nursing Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.