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

The reported gap in Washington is about $33,970 a year, or roughly 69% 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 Washington figures exact?

They're the median wages actually reported for Washington — 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.

Washington · WA

Licensed Practical Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Washington

In Washington, licensed practical nurses earn more — an estimated $83,150 a year versus $49,180 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $33,970 (roughly 69% more). Both are estimates based on national pay for each role adjusted for Washington.

Licensed Practical Nurse — Washington

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$83,150

+29% vs national

Hourly

$39.98/hr

Median $83,150

$64,230Middle 50%: $76,920–$93,970$100,950

Typical range: $76,920–$93,970; What most nurses earn
High end: $100,950; Top earners
Entry level: $64,230; Newer nurses

Nursing Assistant (CNA) — Washington

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$49,180

+16% vs national

Hourly

$23.64/hr

Median $49,180

$42,500Middle 50%: $46,980–$57,930$62,660

Typical range: $46,980–$57,930; What most nurses earn
High end: $62,660; Top earners
Entry level: $42,500; Newer nurses

Why the gap in Washington

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 Washington figures apply the same local pay adjustment to both roles, so the gap here mirrors the national picture, shifted for Washington'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 Washington — FAQ

Do licensed practical nurses or nursing assistant (cna)s earn more in Washington?: In Washington, licensed practical nurses earn more — $83,150 a year versus $49,180 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $33,970 (roughly 69% more). Both are median wages reported for Washington in official public wage data.
How much is the licensed practical nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in Washington?: The reported gap in Washington is about $33,970 a year, or roughly 69% 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 Washington figures exact?: They're the median wages actually reported for Washington — 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)

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

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

Estimated figures for Washington. Last reviewed July 17, 2026.