Psychiatric Aides vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Psychiatric Aides out-earn Nursing Assistants by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Psychiatric Aides land at $44,910 and Nursing Assistants at $42,260. The education gap is real: psychiatric aide programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while nursing assistant programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Psychiatric Aides is Minnesota ($55,040); for Nursing Assistants it's Oregon ($49,830).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Psychiatric Aides median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Psychiatric Aides or Nursing Assistants?
Psychiatric Aides earn more nationally. The median is $44,910 for Psychiatric Aides versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistants, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Psychiatric Aides or Nursing Assistants?
Nursing Assistants has the better 10-year outlook at 2.3% projected growth, compared to -0.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Psychiatric Aides or Nursing Assistants?
Psychiatric Aides typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Nursing Assistants requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Psychiatric Aides get paid the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state for Psychiatric Aides at $55,040/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Psychiatric Aides vs. Nursing Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Psychiatric Aides earn $55,040 vs. $46,680 for Nursing Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.