Nursing Assistants
O*NET 31-1131.00 · SOC 31-1131
Nursing Assistant is a solid career choice. Median pay is $42k a year with +2.6% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 196,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Take and record patients' vital signs including blood pressure and temperature
- →Turn and reposition bedridden patients to prevent pressure sores
- →Assist patients with eating, bathing, and dressing in facilities
- →Collect urine, stool, or other specimens for laboratory testing
- →Transport patients within the facility using wheelchairs or stretchers
Education & How to Get In
Most Nursing Assistant positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Nursing Assistant involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Nursing Assistant?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Nursing Assistant Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Nursing Assistants is projected to grow 2.6% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·41% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Nursing Assistant make?
The median Nursing Assistant earns $42k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Nursing Assistant jobs?
Our model puts Nursing Assistant at 26 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 41% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Nursing Assistant a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 196,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Nursing Assistant?
Most Nursing Assistant roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Nursing Assistant?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Nursing Assistant career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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