How much is the licensed practical nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in District of Columbia?

The reported gap in District of Columbia is about $28,040 a year, or roughly 59% more for licensed practical nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.

Are these District of Columbia figures exact?

They're the median wages actually reported for District of Columbia — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.

Why are some figures verified and others estimates?

National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

District of Columbia · DC

Licensed Practical Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in District of Columbia

In District of Columbia, licensed practical nurses earn more — an estimated $75,740 a year versus $47,700 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $28,040 (roughly 59% more). Both are estimates based on national pay for each role adjusted for District of Columbia.

Licensed Practical Nurse — District of Columbia

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$75,740

+18% vs national

Hourly

$36.41/hr

Median $75,740

$62,880Middle 50%: $63,960–$81,400$87,470

Typical range: $63,960–$81,400; What most nurses earn
High end: $87,470; Top earners
Entry level: $62,880; Newer nurses

Nursing Assistant (CNA) — District of Columbia

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$47,700

+13% vs national

Hourly

$22.93/hr

Median $47,700

$38,900Middle 50%: $42,400–$51,850$57,500

Typical range: $42,400–$51,850; What most nurses earn
High end: $57,500; Top earners
Entry level: $38,900; Newer nurses

Why the gap in District of Columbia

Licensed practical nurses earn more than certified nursing assistants because LPNs hold a state nursing license earned by passing the NCLEX-PN and practice with a broader clinical scope, including medication administration and treatments. The CNA is a shorter certificate credential limited to basic care tasks under supervision. The District of Columbia figures apply the same local pay adjustment to both roles, so the gap here mirrors the national picture, shifted for District of Columbia's cost of labor. Actual pay varies with experience, specialty, shift, and employer — compare the national Licensed Practical Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) comparison or personalize the calculator.

Licensed Practical Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) in District of Columbia — FAQ

Do licensed practical nurses or nursing assistant (cna)s earn more in District of Columbia?: In District of Columbia, licensed practical nurses earn more — $75,740 a year versus $47,700 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $28,040 (roughly 59% more). Both are median wages reported for District of Columbia in official public wage data.
How much is the licensed practical nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in District of Columbia?: The reported gap in District of Columbia is about $28,040 a year, or roughly 59% more for licensed practical nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.
Are these District of Columbia figures exact?: They're the median wages actually reported for District of Columbia — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.
Why are some figures verified and others estimates?: National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

Source & confidence— A verified figure from official U.S. public wage data.

BLS OEWS (May 2025, state)

District of Columbia figures are published directly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for District of Columbia (May 2025). They are not estimated or adjusted.

Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Full methodology

Estimated figures for District of Columbia. Last reviewed July 17, 2026.