LPN Vs CNA Salary + Core Differences

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) both deliver hands-on care, but they work at different levels. CNAs help patients with daily functions like eating and bathing. LPNs perform basic nursing tasks: administering medication, updating health records, and assisting RNs and physicians. Both pass a certification exam, but only LPNs hold a nursing license.

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.

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.

FAQs

Do LPNs get paid more than CNAs? Yes. LPN median pay is $62,340 versus $39,530 for CNAs. Experience, local demand, and setting still move the number, and top CNAs can beat some 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.