Pharmacy Aides vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Nursing Assistantss out-earn Pharmacy Aidess by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Pharmacy Aidess land at $37,680 and Nursing Assistantss at $42,260. The education gap is real: pharmacy aide programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while nursing assistant programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Pharmacy Aidess is District of Columbia ($59,960); for Nursing Assistantss it's Oregon ($49,830).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Pharmacy Aides median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Pharmacy Aidess or Nursing Assistantss?
Nursing Assistantss earn more nationally. The median is $37,680 for Pharmacy Aidess versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistantss, a difference of $5K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Pharmacy Aides 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, Pharmacy Aides or Nursing Assistants?
Pharmacy Aides typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Nursing Assistants requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Pharmacy Aidess get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Pharmacy Aidess at $59,960/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Pharmacy Aides vs. Nursing Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Pharmacy Aidess earn $59,960 vs. $47,700 for Nursing Assistantss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.