Chiropractors vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Chiropractors out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by $15K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Chiropractors land at $79,200 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses at $64,400. The education gap is real: chiropractor programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Chiropractors is New Jersey ($134,990); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Chiropractors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Chiropractors or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Chiropractors earn more nationally. The median is $79,200 for Chiropractors versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $15K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Chiropractors or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Chiropractors has the better 10-year outlook at 9.5% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Chiropractors or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Chiropractors typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Chiropractors get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Chiropractors at $134,990/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Chiropractors vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Chiropractors earn $134,990 vs. $75,160 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.