Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics out-earn Registered Nursess by $203K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics land at $300,080 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: ophthalmologists, except pediatric programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics is Rhode Island ($450,370); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics or Registered Nursess?
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics earn more nationally. The median is $300,080 for Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $203K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric or Registered 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, Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric or Registered Nurses?
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics get paid the most?
Rhode Island is the top-paying state for Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics at $450,370/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Rhode Island, Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatrics earn $450,370 vs. $100,640 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.