Opticians, Dispensing vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses out-earn Opticians, Dispensing by $17K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Opticians, Dispensing land at $47,260 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 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, Dispensing is Connecticut ($75,300); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 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, Dispensing or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses earn more nationally. The median is $47,260 for Opticians, Dispensing versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $17K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Opticians, Dispensing or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Opticians, Dispensing has the better 10-year outlook at 2.9% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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, Dispensing get paid the most?
Connecticut is the top-paying state for Opticians, Dispensing 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, Dispensing earn $75,300 vs. $73,690 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.