EMT vs CNA: pay, jobs and what each takes

Emergency medical technicians, by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025): a median of $21.38 an hour ($44,470 a year), against $20.32 ($42,260 a year) for certified nursing assistants, $1.06 an hour more. The open jobs on this board today post medians of $24.50 an hour for emergency medical technicians and $21.25 for certified nursing assistants.

On this board today: 752 open emergency medical technician jobs and 12,256 certified nursing assistant jobs, read from each employer's own job board. BLS expects about 13,800 openings a year for emergency medical technicians and 196,200 for certified nursing assistants, with employment changing +5.8% and +2.6% over 2025-2035.

EMTs respond to 911 calls and transfers, assess patients, give basic life support and transport them safely, on ambulances, in fire departments and at events. Nursing assistants help patients with bathing, dressing, eating, walking and toileting, take vital signs and tell the nurse what they see. Most work in nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living.

A state-approved EMT course (about 150 to 200 hours), then the National Registry and state exams. (BLS: Postsecondary nondegree award.) A state-approved nurse aide training program (often 75 to 180 hours) and the state competency exam. (BLS: Postsecondary nondegree award.) Each occupation's page lists its credentials and who grants them: Emergency medical technicians, Certified nursing assistants.