U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of Health and Human Services / Nursing Assistant

Job-title file

Nursing Assistant

Provide direct patient care — assess conditions, administer treatment and medication, and coordinate with physicians.

363 employees hold this title in Department of Health and Human Services. Median total compensation for the role is $46,466, below the department median of $129,759.

Employees: 363
Total payroll: $16.9M
Role median: $46,466
Agency median: $129,759
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$35,499$57,813+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 363 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Nursing Assistant pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Nursing Assistants — about 1,448,910 people — is $42,260. Department of Health and Human Services pays a median base salary of $46,466 for this role, 10% above that figure — about the 71st percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Health and Human Services sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$33,940

$37,260

$42,260

$47,220

$51,980

Department of Health and Human Services median · $46,466

The bar is the range of annual wages for Nursing Assistants across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of Health and Human Services’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Computed over the 362 of 363 people in this role paid at least $25,000in base salary. The rest are part-year or part-time records, whose actual pay isn’t comparable to a full-time annual wage.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Health and Human Services is $46,466, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Nursing Assistant is held in 4 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Health and Human Services, the median of $46,466 ranks #3 of 4.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Department of Veterans Affairs

$52,447 · 14,880

Armed Forces Retirement Home

$47,490 · 75

Department of Interior

$42,398 · 1

Median total compensation for the Nursing Assistant role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Compare jurisdictions

Nursing Assistant beyond U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

This role is reported in 5 jurisdictions. In U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense), the median of $52,287 ranks #3 of 5. See Nursing Assistant across all of U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) →

Highest-paying jurisdictions for this role

City and County of San Francisco

$142,595 · 52

Massachusetts

$62,769 · 8

District of Columbia

$51,291 · 102

Ramsey County, Minnesota

$15,618 · 104

Median total compensation for comparable Nursing Assistantroles in other jurisdictions. Titles are matched by normalized name across sources, not identical job classification, and pay is not cost-of-living adjusted. Each bar links to that jurisdiction’s page for the role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Chemarin Tsinnie

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,981

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,981
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,981
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Phoenix
Work county: Maricopa
Work state: Arizona

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,981
Basic Pay (before locality): $41,781
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 040370013
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Chemarin Tsinnie works as a Nursing Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Phoenix, Arizona. Chemarin earned $50,981 in 2024. Their pay grade is 05.

Melissa Cate

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,655

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,655
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,655
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Santa Fe
Work county: Santa Fe
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,655
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350710049
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Melissa Cate works as a Nursing Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Melissa earned $50,655 in 2024. Their pay grade is 05.

Michelle Lynch

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,655

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,655
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,655
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Gallup
Work county: Mckinley
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,655
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350340031
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Michelle Lynch holds the role of Nursing Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Gallup, New Mexico. In 2024, their total compensation was $50,655. Their pay grade is 05.

Elvira Tsosie

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,655

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,655
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,655
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Gallup
Work county: Mckinley
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,655
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350340031
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Elvira Tsosie serves as a Nursing Assistant based in Gallup, New Mexico. Their 2024 pay totaled $50,655. They are classified at grade 05.

Judy Buffalohead

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,655

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,655
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,655
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Gallup
Work county: Mckinley
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,655
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350340031
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Judy Buffalohead serves as a Nursing Assistant based in Gallup, New Mexico. Their 2024 pay totaled $50,655. They are classified at grade 05.

Kara Martza

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,655

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,655
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,655
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Gallup
Work county: Mckinley
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,655
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350340031
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kara Martza is a Nursing Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Gallup, New Mexico. 2024 total compensation came to $50,655. They are classified at grade 05.

Rhetta Smith

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,655

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,655
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,655
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Santa Ana Pueblo
Work county: Sandoval
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,655
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350706043
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Rhetta Smith holds the role of Nursing Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. In 2024, their total compensation was $50,655. Their pay grade is 05.

Vicky Esalio

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,655

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,655
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,655
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Albuquerque
Work county: Bernalillo
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,655
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350030001
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Vicky Esalio is a Nursing Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 2024 total compensation came to $50,655. They are classified at grade 05.

Cherissa Smith

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,527

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,527
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,527
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Gallup
Work county: Mckinley
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,527
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,801
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350340031
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Cherissa Smith holds the role of Nursing Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Gallup, New Mexico. In 2024, their total compensation was $50,527. Their pay grade is 06.

Marilyn Burbank

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,127

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,127
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,127
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Chinle
Work county: Apache
Work state: Arizona

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,127
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 040083001
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Marilyn Burbank serves as a Nursing Assistant based in Chinle, Arizona. Their 2024 pay totaled $50,127. They are classified at grade 05.

Garrilynn Begay

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,127

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,127
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,127
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Shiprock
Work county: San Juan
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,127
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350745045
Length of Service (Years): 12
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Garrilynn Begay holds the role of Nursing Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Shiprock, New Mexico. In 2024, their total compensation was $50,127. Their pay grade is 05.

Ceria Ben

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,127

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,127
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,127
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Shiprock
Work county: San Juan
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,127
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350745045
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Ceria Ben works as a Nursing Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Shiprock, New Mexico. Ceria earned $50,127 in 2024. Their pay grade is 05.

Yolanda Bydonie

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,127

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,127
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,127
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Polacca
Work county: Navajo
Work state: Arizona

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,127
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 040382017
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Yolanda Bydonie serves as a Nursing Assistant based in Polacca, Arizona. Their 2024 pay totaled $50,127. They are classified at grade 05.

Sharon Johnson

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,127

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,127
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,127
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Shiprock
Work county: San Juan
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,127
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350745045
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Sharon Johnson is a Nursing Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Shiprock, New Mexico. 2024 total compensation came to $50,127. They are classified at grade 05.

Carmelita Lee

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,127

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,127
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,127
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Shiprock
Work county: San Juan
Work state: New Mexico

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,127
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 350745045
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Health and Human Services, Carmelita Lee serves as a Nursing Assistant based in Shiprock, New Mexico. Their 2024 pay totaled $50,127. They are classified at grade 05.

Carolyn Moore

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,127

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $50,127
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,127
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Claremore
Work county: Rogers
Work state: Oklahoma

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $50,127
Basic Pay (before locality): $42,910
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 400990131
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Carolyn Moore works as a Nursing Assistant for Department of Health and Human Services based in Claremore, Oklahoma. Carolyn earned $50,127 in 2024. Their pay grade is 05.

Kerri Tabaho

Nursing Assistant/Department of Health and Human Services

2024 total comp

$50,104

Sub-department: Indian Health Service
Base pay: $49,604
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $500
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $50,104
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Phoenix
Work county: Maricopa
Work state: Arizona

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $49,604
Basic Pay (before locality): $40,652
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 040370013
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0621
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kerri Tabaho holds the role of Nursing Assistant at Department of Health and Human Services based in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2024, their total compensation was $50,104. Their pay grade is 05.