Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric out-earn Registered Nurses by $203K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric land at $300,080 and Registered Nurses 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 Pediatric is Rhode Island ($450,370); for Registered Nurses 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 Pediatric or Registered Nurses?
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric earn more nationally. The median is $300,080 for Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $203K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses has the better 10-year outlook at 4.9% projected growth, compared to 4.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Pediatric get paid the most?
Rhode Island is the top-paying state for Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric 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 Pediatric earn $450,370 vs. $100,640 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.