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Salary comparison

Acupuncturists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?

Acupuncturists out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by $12K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Acupuncturists land at $76,040 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses at $64,400. The education gap is real: acupuncturist programs typically require master's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Acupuncturists is Tennessee ($141,430); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses it's Washington ($83,150).

Acupuncturists
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Median salary
$76,040
$64,400
Hourly rate
$36.56/hr
$30.96/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$38,830
$49,740
Senior level (90th %)
$161,470
$83,440
Education required
Master's degree
Postsecondary nondegree award
U.S. employment
7,830
648,410
Job growth (10-year)
6.8%
2.6%
Category
Healthcare
Healthcare
Top-paying state
Tennessee
Washington

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Acupuncturists median pay.

State
Acupuncturists
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
New Jersey
$125,260
$75,160
Indiana
$120,490
$65,720
Maryland
$101,650
$74,660
Massachusetts
$93,360
$80,220
New York
$86,120
$67,180
Arizona
$85,300
$77,070
Wisconsin
$84,820
$63,760
Washington
$83,200
$83,150
Maine
$83,040
$73,200
New Hampshire
$77,470
$77,110
California
$75,530
$79,750
Michigan
$65,490
$65,460
Oregon
$64,870
$80,470
Hawaii
$64,570
$71,140
Colorado
$56,950
$73,880

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Acupuncturists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?

Acupuncturists earn more nationally. The median is $76,040 for Acupuncturists versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $12K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Acupuncturists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?

Acupuncturists has the better 10-year outlook at 6.8% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.

Which requires more education, Acupuncturists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?

Acupuncturists typically requires master's degree. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Acupuncturists get paid the most?

Tennessee is the top-paying state for Acupuncturists at $141,430/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Acupuncturists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Acupuncturists earn $125,260 vs. $75,160 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Acupuncturists salary breakdownView →Full Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary breakdownView →Best cities for Acupuncturists by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by take-home payExplore →How to become a acupuncturistsGuide →How to become a licensed practical and licensed vocational nursesGuide →