Ophthalmic Medical Technicians vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess out-earn Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss by $19K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss land at $45,570 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess at $64,400. The education gap is real: ophthalmic medical technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss is Minnesota ($63,080); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Ophthalmic Medical Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $45,570 for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess, a difference of $19K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Ophthalmic Medical Technicians 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, Ophthalmic Medical Technicians or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians 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 Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss get paid the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss at $63,080/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Ophthalmic Medical Technicians vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss earn $54,490 vs. $79,750 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.