Dietitians and Nutritionists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Dietitians and Nutritionists out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by $12K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Dietitians and Nutritionists land at $76,400 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses at $64,400. The education gap is real: dietitians and nutritionist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Dietitians and Nutritionists is California ($98,850); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Dietitians and Nutritionists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Dietitians and Nutritionists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Dietitians and Nutritionists earn more nationally. The median is $76,400 for Dietitians and Nutritionists versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $12K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Dietitians and Nutritionists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Dietitians and Nutritionists has the better 10-year outlook at 5.5% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Dietitians and Nutritionists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Dietitians and Nutritionists 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 Dietitians and Nutritionists get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Dietitians and Nutritionists at $98,850/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Dietitians and Nutritionists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Dietitians and Nutritionists earn $98,850 vs. $79,750 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.