National Salary Overview
VS
Psychiatric Aides earns $1,896 more (4.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$38,647
$40,544
Average (Mean) Salary
$39,464
$41,559
Total Employment
1,351,770
31,460
States with Higher Pay
16
23
Salary by State: Nursing Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides
Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Nursing Assistants pays more in 16 states; Psychiatric Aides pays more in 23.
| State | Nursing Assistants | Psychiatric Aides | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $30,540 | $30,220 | +$320 | ||
| Alaska | $45,480 | $44,450 | +$1,030 | ||
| Arkansas | $31,230 | $32,620 | $-1,390 | ||
| California | $45,170 | $43,360 | +$1,810 | ||
| Colorado | $42,520 | $51,110 | $-8,590 | ||
| Connecticut | $40,890 | $44,490 | $-3,600 | ||
| Delaware | $38,240 | $49,880 | $-11,640 | ||
| Florida | $36,340 | $29,200 | +$7,140 | ||
| Georgia | $34,710 | $34,480 | +$230 | ||
| Illinois | $39,510 | $55,120 | $-15,610 | ||
| Indiana | $36,790 | $41,630 | $-4,840 | ||
| Iowa | $37,340 | $44,860 | $-7,520 | ||
| Kansas | $35,450 | $35,700 | $-250 | ||
| Kentucky | $36,510 | $36,210 | +$300 | ||
| Louisiana | $29,070 | $29,040 | +$30 | ||
| Maine | $43,120 | $38,540 | +$4,580 | ||
| Maryland | $38,620 | $41,540 | $-2,920 | ||
| Massachusetts | $44,200 | $48,440 | $-4,240 | ||
| Michigan | $37,940 | $45,360 | $-7,420 | ||
| Minnesota | $41,940 | $51,170 | $-9,230 | ||
| Mississippi | $29,310 | $29,810 | $-500 | ||
| Missouri | $36,260 | $37,620 | $-1,360 | ||
| Nevada | $42,200 | $39,790 | +$2,410 | ||
| New Hampshire | $43,940 | $50,600 | $-6,660 | ||
| New Jersey | $41,450 | $40,410 | +$1,040 | ||
| New York | $45,890 | $50,670 | $-4,780 | ||
| Ohio | $38,030 | $36,940 | +$1,090 | ||
| Oklahoma | $33,320 | $37,930 | $-4,610 | ||
| Oregon | $46,260 | $44,390 | +$1,870 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $38,540 | $44,930 | $-6,390 | ||
| Rhode Island | $41,600 | $46,370 | $-4,770 | ||
| South Carolina | $35,090 | $31,620 | +$3,470 | ||
| Tennessee | $35,040 | $38,660 | $-3,620 | ||
| Texas | $35,110 | $32,880 | +$2,230 | ||
| Utah | $37,270 | $37,680 | $-410 | ||
| Vermont | $40,460 | $41,790 | $-1,330 | ||
| Virginia | $36,820 | $34,650 | +$2,170 | ||
| Washington | $46,000 | $48,890 | $-2,890 | ||
| West Virginia | $35,490 | $28,180 | +$7,310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Nursing Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
On average across all states, a Psychiatric Aides earns more than a Nursing Assistants. The national median salary difference is $1,896 (4.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Nursing Assistants earn more than a Psychiatric Aides?
A Nursing Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Psychiatric Aides in 16 out of 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Psychiatric Aides pays more in 23 states.
What is the median salary for a Nursing Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides?
The national median salary for a Nursing Assistants is $38,647 per year, compared to $40,544 for a Psychiatric Aides, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Nursing Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
There are more people employed as Nursing Assistants. BLS reports approximately 1,351,770 Nursing Assistants positions and 31,460 Psychiatric Aides positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Nursing Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
Both Nursing Assistants and Psychiatric Aides are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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