What does a nursing assistant do? Duties, pay, training and outlook
Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with daily activities, under the supervision of nurses. The BLS handbook covers nursing assistants and orderlies together. Median pay was $41,870 per year in May 2025, and employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035.
At a glance
| Item | What BLS reports |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 31-1131 (nursing assistants) and 31-1132 (orderlies) |
| Typical entry-level education | See "How to become one" on the BLS page: a state-approved education program for nursing assistants; at least a high school diploma or equivalent for orderlies |
| Licensing | Nursing assistants pass the state competency exam and are placed on a state registry; orderlies do not need a license |
| Median annual wage | $41,870 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 3 percent, 2025 to 2035 (as fast as average) |
| Number of jobs | 1,558,700 (2025) |
What does a nursing assistant do?
Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas. According to BLS, nursing assistants typically:
- Clean and bathe patients, and help them use the toilet and dress.
- Turn, reposition and transfer patients between beds and wheelchairs.
- Record patients' health concerns and report them to nurses.
- Measure vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature.
- Serve meals and help patients eat.
- Dispense medication in some cases, depending on their training level and state rules.
Orderlies typically help patients move around the facility, clean equipment and facilities, change linens and stock supplies. Both roles work under licensed practical or vocational nurses and registered nurses.
Work environment
Nursing assistants held about 1.5 million jobs in 2025, mostly in nursing care facilities and hospitals. Orderlies held about 52,800 jobs, 86 percent of them in hospitals. BLS says the work may be strenuous, with much time spent on your feet, and that the occupation has one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Training in proper lifting can reduce the risk. Most work full time, though some work part time, and nights, weekends and holidays may be required.
Training, state registry and requirements
Nursing assistants typically complete a state-approved education program and pass their state's competency exam. Programs are offered in high schools, community colleges, vocational and technical schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Nursing assistants also complete brief on-the-job training.
Requirements vary by state. Passing the competency exam places a nursing assistant on a state registry, which is required to work in a nursing home. Some states also require continuing education or a criminal background check, and some offer additional credentials such as Certified Medication Assistant (CMA). Check your state's nursing assistant registry or health department for the approved programs.
Orderlies typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and short on-the-job training. They do not need a license, but jobs may require CPR or basic life support (BLS) certification.
Skills that matter
BLS names communication skills, compassion, patience and physical stamina. O*NET highlights active listening, monitoring, critical thinking, reading comprehension and speaking.
How much do nursing assistants earn?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $41,870 per year (May 2025) for the combined occupation. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS also prints separate nursing assistant figures: a median of $42,260 per year, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $33,940 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $51,980 (May 2025).
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, pay tab, based on Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Pay differs by state, facility type and shift. See how to research salary and how to negotiate an offer.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of nursing assistants and orderlies to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, as fast as the average for all occupations. That is a projected change of 41,100 jobs. About 203,300 openings are projected per year, on average, over the decade, many from workers who change occupations or leave the workforce.
How to get hired
- Find your state's approved program. Training must be state-approved, and your state sets the competency exam.
- Get on the registry. Passing the exam is what places you on the state registry required for nursing home work.
- Add basic life support. CPR or BLS certification may be asked for, especially for orderly roles.
- Write a clear resume. If this is your first care job, see a resume with no experience and how to write an ATS-friendly resume.
- Search broadly. Hospitals and nursing care facilities are the main employers. Search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
BLS lists home health and personal care aides, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, medical assistants, psychiatric technicians and aides, registered nurses and dental assistants among similar occupations.
Frequently asked questions
Do nursing assistants need a license? They typically complete a state-approved program and pass a state competency exam, which places them on a state registry. Requirements vary by state.
Do I need the registry to work in a nursing home? BLS says registry placement is required to work in a nursing home.
What is the difference between nursing assistants and orderlies? Nursing assistants provide basic patient care. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.
Is the field growing? BLS projects 3 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 203,300 openings per year on average.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, accessed 31 October 2026
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, accessed 31 October 2026
- O*NET OnLine, 31-1131.00 Nursing Assistants, accessed 31 October 2026
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.