Salary Differences
LPNs earn more than CNAs because they train longer and do more. The numbers below come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024. Pay varies by experience, setting, and location.
| Median Annual Wage | Median Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| LPN | $62,340 | $29.97 |
| CNA | $39,530 | $19.00 |
The highest-paid CNAs can out-earn some entry-level LPNs, but across the board LPNs make more. Both fields are growing: the BLS projects 3% job growth for LPNs and about 4% for nursing assistants through 2034, with roughly 54,400 LPN openings each year on average.
Core Differences
The gap comes down to training and scope of practice. Requirements vary by state, and some states use different terms. Texas and California call LPNs licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), but the work is the same.
| Training | License/Certification | Scope of Practice | Duties | Work Settings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | Minimum one year | NCLEX-PN | Limited, directed | Vital signs, administering medications, assisting RNs and physicians, updating records | Nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living, home health, physician offices |
| CNA | Minimum four weeks | State certification exam | Assisting with daily living | Helping patients eat, dress, and bathe | Nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living, home health, government facilities |
Nursing homes and hospitals are the most common workplaces for both, but LPNs also work in physician offices, which CNAs typically do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do LPNs get paid more than CNAs? Yes. The LPN median wage was $62,340 versus $39,530 for nursing assistants in May 2024 (BLS). Experience, local demand, and setting still move the number, and top CNAs can beat some entry-level LPNs.
How are the roles different? Both work across most healthcare settings and handle basic tasks. LPN work is mostly medical and supports RNs and physicians. CNA work centers on daily living: eating, bathing, dressing.
Are CNAs nurses? No. The term nurse applies to licensed RNs, LPNs, and APRNs. Many CNAs become nurses by completing additional training, passing the licensure exam, and getting licensed.
How long does each take to train? A CNA can finish a state-approved program in as little as four to twelve weeks. An LPN program usually runs about one year and ends with the NCLEX-PN licensure exam (NCSBN).
Is becoming a CNA a good first step toward LPN? Yes. Many people start as a CNA to earn income and clinical hours, then move into an LPN program. The CNA experience often makes nursing school coursework feel more concrete.
Which has the better job outlook? Both are stable. The BLS projects about 3% growth for LPNs and roughly 4% for nursing assistants through 2034, driven largely by care for an aging population.