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Salary comparison

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

Genetic Counselorss out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess by $36K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Genetic Counselorss land at $100,040 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess at $64,400. The education gap is real: genetic counselor programs typically require bachelor's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Genetic Counselorss is California ($137,650); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess it's Washington ($83,150).

Genetic Counselors
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Median salary
$100,040
$64,400
Hourly rate
$48.09/hr
$30.96/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$78,270
$49,740
Senior level (90th %)
$138,760
$83,440
Education required
Bachelor's degree
Postsecondary nondegree award
U.S. employment
3,740
648,410
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
N/A
Category
Healthcare
Healthcare
Top-paying state
California
Washington

Pay by state

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

State
Genetic Counselors
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
California
$137,650
$79,750
New Jersey
$117,750
$75,160
New York
$107,450
$67,180
Colorado
$106,100
$73,880
Delaware
$106,010
$68,710
Washington
$102,920
$83,150
Arizona
$102,730
$77,070
Connecticut
$101,640
$73,690
District of Columbia
$100,380
$75,740
Virginia
$99,960
$64,920
Massachusetts
$97,240
$80,220
Illinois
$95,880
$75,000
Maryland
$94,050
$74,660
Indiana
$89,640
$65,720
Michigan
$84,970
$65,460

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

Common questions

Who earns more, Genetic Counselorss or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?

Genetic Counselorss earn more nationally. The median is $100,040 for Genetic Counselorss versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess, a difference of $36K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

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

BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.

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

Genetic Counselors 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 Genetic Counselorss get paid the most?

California is the top-paying state for Genetic Counselorss at $137,650/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

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

The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Genetic Counselorss earn $137,650 vs. $79,750 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Genetic Counselors salary breakdownView →Full Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary breakdownView →Best cities for Genetic Counselorss by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess by take-home payExplore →How to become a genetic counselorsGuide →How to become a licensed practical and licensed vocational nursesGuide →