Diagnostic Medical Sonographers vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by $32K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers land at $96,590 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses at $64,400. The education gap is real: diagnostic medical sonographer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is California ($128,530); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Diagnostic Medical Sonographers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers earn more nationally. The median is $96,590 for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $32K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers has the better 10-year outlook at 13% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers typically requires bachelor's degree. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers at $128,530/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Diagnostic Medical Sonographers vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers earn $128,530 vs. $79,750 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.