Exercise Physiologists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses out-earn Exercise Physiologists by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Exercise Physiologists land at $59,460 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses at $64,400. The education gap is real: exercise physiologist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Exercise Physiologists is Washington ($81,310); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Exercise Physiologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Exercise Physiologists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses earn more nationally. The median is $59,460 for Exercise Physiologists versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $5K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Exercise Physiologists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Exercise Physiologists 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, Exercise Physiologists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Exercise Physiologists 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 Exercise Physiologists get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Exercise Physiologists at $81,310/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Exercise Physiologists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Exercise Physiologists earn $81,310 vs. $83,150 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.