Pharmacy Aides vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Nursing Assistants out-earn Pharmacy Aides by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Pharmacy Aides land at $37,680 and Nursing Assistants 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 Aides is District of Columbia ($59,960); for Nursing Assistants 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 Aides or Nursing Assistants?
Nursing Assistants earn more nationally. The median is $37,680 for Pharmacy Aides versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistants, a difference of $5K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Pharmacy Aides or Nursing Assistants?
Nursing Assistants has the better 10-year outlook at 2.3% projected growth, compared to -0.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Aides get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Pharmacy Aides 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 Aides earn $59,960 vs. $47,700 for Nursing Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.