Shigoto Zukan
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How to become nursing assistantseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Caregiving Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$42,260
25th–75th pct. $37,260–$47,220
Top pay (est.)
$67,600
Top 10% $51,980
Pay in 5 years
$49,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$57,400est.
$49,400–$66,600
Outlook score
53/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
26%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.6%
196K openings / yr

How to become nursing assistants

Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Nursing Assistants

Key skills

Service Orientation
3.9
Social Perceptiveness
3.2
Critical Thinking
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Monitoring
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.4
Psychology
3.5
Education and Training
3.4
English Language
3.0
Public Safety and Security
3.0
Therapy and Counseling
2.9
Administration and Management
2.8
Sociology and Anthropology
2.8

What the work involves

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsAssisting and Caring for OthersIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionStatic StrengthNear VisionTrunk StrengthExtent Flexibility

Education of workers

High school diploma
39%
Post-secondary certificate
24%
Some college
12%
Associate's degree
10%
Bachelor's degree
6%
Professional degree
4%
Master's degree
3%
Less than high school
3%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
62%
1–3 months
23%
6–12 months
6%
1–2 years
6%
4–10 years
3%

Related work experience

None
27%
1–3 months
17%
1–2 years
16%
3–6 months
14%
6–12 months
12%
Up to 1 month
12%
8–10 years
3%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as nursing assistants

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.