HHA vs CNA: Certification, Pay & Role Differences in 2025

Not everyone who needs care lives in a hospital. Many people rely on support at home, and that’s where healthcare support workers step in. They help with daily tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, and safety. Today, there are about 4.3 million jobs in Home Health and Personal Care Aides, and demand is growing. The two most common roles are HHA vs CNA, Home Health Aides and Certified Nursing Assistants. While the titles may sound alike, their duties and certification requirements differ in important ways. Keep reading to understand these differences and what each role involves.

Read More: How to Become a Home Health Aide: A Beginner's Guide

What Is an HHA?

A Home Health Aide (HHA) helps people who need support with everyday tasks at home. They’re not nurses, but they step in where it matters, helping someone get dressed, take a shower, eat a meal, or move safely around the house. They also assist with basic chores like cooking, cleaning, or driving someone to an appointment. It’s not medical care, but it’s essential for people who can’t manage on their own.

What Makes a Good HHA?

A good HHA should offer comfort, safety, and trust every day. The following skills show how well an HHA can care for someone and help them feel safe and comfortable each day:

• Pay attention: Following care instructions matters, especially if someone has limited mobility.

• Kind and patient: Many clients are older or recovering from something difficult. Being calm and understanding goes a long way.

• Trustworthy: Families rely on HHAs to care for loved ones in private, personal settings.

• Good communicator: HHAs need to speak up when something’s wrong and listen when patients express their needs.

• Physically strong: The job can involve lifting, supporting, or being on your feet for hours.

Read More: What is HHA Certification

What Is a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) works directly with patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities. They handle the basics, which is helping patients eat, bathe, get dressed, or use the bathroom, but they also have medical training. CNAs check vital signs, dress wounds, and report changes in a patient’s condition to the nurse in charge. It’s hands-on, fast-paced work, and CNAs are often the first to notice when something is wrong.

What Makes a Good CNA?

The right traits help CNA do their job well and support both patients and nurses. Some of the most important qualities to look for in a CNA include:

• Clear communicator: CNAs talk to patients all day and share updates with nurses. Nothing should get lost in translation.

• Empathetic: They care for people who are sick or in pain, so compassion isn’t optional; it’s part of the job.

• Patient: Tasks can be repetitive or challenging. CNAs need to stay calm and carry on, even on stressful days.

• Physically active: Most shifts involve walking, lifting, or helping patients move, and the pace doesn’t slow down.

HHA vs CNA Certification: What’s the Difference?

CNA and HHA jobs look similar on the surface. But how they’re trained, where they work, and what they’re allowed to do can be very different. The following are the key distinctions between the two positions:

Training Hours and Hands-On Experience

Both CNA and HHA certification roles require a mix of classroom learning and hands-on work, but the depth and focus of their training differ. CNAs typically complete more hours and receive medical-based instruction. HHAs focus more on daily living support in the home, with fewer clinical requirements.

Read More: What is the Difference Between PCA and CNA?

Read More: What is Caregiver Certification and Why is it Important?

Physical and Emotional Demands

Working in care means being physically active and emotionally present. CNAs often lift more and handle tough shifts. HHAs work in calmer home settings but may form deeper emotional bonds over time.

Communication and Soft Skills

Both roles require strong people skills. CNAs frequently communicate with nurses and doctors. HHAs focus more on the individual they care for and their family.

CPR/BLS Certification

Knowing what to do in an emergency is mandatory for CNAs and often expected of HHAs. Many employers require CPR or BLS training prior to hiring.

Career Growth and Advanced Training

CNA roles often serve as a stepping stone to other healthcare careers. HHAs can also advance by gaining skills in areas like memory care.

Salary and Job Opportunities

CNA jobs typically offer higher pay and follow hospital or facility schedules. HHAs may earn slightly less but often enjoy flexible hours and one-on-one client care.

Earning Potential and Job Openings: HHA vs CNA in 2025

Wages for both CNAs and HHAs vary depending on location, employer, and experience. Still, it’s helpful to look at current earnings, not just national averages but real numbers based on active job listings.

Job Outlook

CNA jobs are growing steadily as the population ages. HHA jobs are also in demand, especially for older adults and hospice care, even if the overall growth rate is higher for HHAs.

Average Pay for HHAs

As of June 2025, Home Health Aides earn an average of $17.16 per hour across the U.S., with about $4,000 in annual overtime. These figures are based on over 90,000 job listings from the past three years.

In some cities, HHAs earn significantly more. For example:

Source: Indeed

Average Pay for CNAs

The average CNA wage is $20.42 per hour, with about $4,500 in annual overtime. These numbers are based on more than 263,000 job listings as of mid-2025.

Source: Indeed

Which Role Feels Right for You?

Choosing between HHA and CNA isn’t always simple. It depends on what you’re more comfortable with. Some people like working in hospitals with a team. They should select a CNA. But if you’d rather build one-on-one connections and work in a quieter setting, being an HHA could make more sense.

Both jobs matter. Also, HHA vs CNA lets you support people when they need it most. The difference lies in your setting, your pace, and how hands-on you want to be.

If you're ready to move forward, look into caregiver training programs, check your state’s requirements, and start the process. The need is real and growing.

FAQs

1. What is the main difference between an HHA and a CNA?

Home Health Aides (HHAs) provide basic care in a patient’s home. They focus on daily living needs like bathing, meals, and safety. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) usually work in hospitals or nursing homes. They provide clinical support and assist licensed nurses.

2. What certification is required for HHAs vs CNAs in 2025?

HHAs must complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training. Some states require additional hours. CNAs need a state-approved program. They must also pass a competency exam to be listed on the state nursing aide registry.

3. How does pay compare between HHAs and CNAs?

In 2025, CNAs usually earn more than HHAs. Their roles involve clinical care in medical facilities, which brings higher pay. HHAs earn slightly less but remain in demand for home-based care. Wages for both jobs vary by state and employer.

4. Where do HHAs and CNAs usually work?

HHAs work in private homes. They support patients with meals, personal care, and household safety. CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. They assist with vital signs, mobility, and medical tasks under a nurse’s supervision.

5. Which career path should you choose in HHA or CNA?

Choose HHA if you want to help people at home with daily routines. Choose CNA if you are interested in clinical care in hospitals or nursing facilities. CNAs often have more opportunities to advance into nursing careers.

References:

• https://www.nccdp.org/home-health-aide-vs-cna-whats-the-difference/

• https://assistinghands.com/20/illinois/hinsdale/blog/cna-hha-differences/

• https://www.healthtechacademy.org/certified-nursing-assistant/cna-vs-home-health-aide