Opticians, Dispensing vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess out-earn Opticians, Dispensings by $17K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Opticians, Dispensings land at $47,260 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess at $64,400. The education gap is real: opticians, dispensing programs typically require bachelor's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Opticians, Dispensings is Connecticut ($75,300); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Opticians, Dispensing median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Opticians, Dispensings or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $47,260 for Opticians, Dispensings versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess, a difference of $17K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Opticians, Dispensing 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, Opticians, Dispensing or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Opticians, Dispensing 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 Opticians, Dispensings get paid the most?
Connecticut is the top-paying state for Opticians, Dispensings at $75,300/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Opticians, Dispensing vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Connecticut, Opticians, Dispensings earn $75,300 vs. $73,690 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.