In short
A CNA completes at least 75 hours of state-approved training and a competency test, while an LPN finishes a program of about a year and passes the NCLEX-PN. LPNs earn much more, with a May 2025 median of $64,400 versus $42,260 for nursing assistants. LPNs also give medications and handle more clinical tasks.
| Side by side | Nursing assistant (CNA) | LPN |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $42,260 | $64,400 |
| Hourly equivalent | $20.32 | $30.96 |
| Typical way in | Certificate | Certificate |
| On-the-job training | None listed | None listed |
| Jobs in the U.S. (2025) | 1,505,900 | 666,900 |
| Growth, 2025 to 2035 | 2.6% | 3% |
| Openings each year | 196,200 | 51,800 |
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035, national medians. Not a promise of what you will earn.
What changes when you move up
As a CNA, your day is bathing, dressing, feeding, moving and toileting residents, plus vital signs. As an LPN you may pass medications, do wound care, take orders from the RN or doctor, chart and supervise aides. The responsibility is real, and so is the pay jump.
Doing both in order
Plenty of LPN programs like applicants with CNA experience, and some require it. Working as a CNA while you complete LPN prerequisites is a common way to keep earning and test whether nursing is right for you.
Questions people ask
How much more do LPNs make than CNAs?
In May 2025 BLS data, the median gap is roughly $64,400 versus $42,260 a year.
Should I become a CNA before an LPN?
It is not always required, but it helps you know the work and can strengthen your application.
Which is more stressful?
Both are demanding. LPNs carry more responsibility for medications and reporting.