Optometrists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Optometrists out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by $72K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Optometrists land at $136,570 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses at $64,400. The education gap is real: optometrist programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Optometrists is Alaska ($170,310); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Optometrists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Optometrists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Optometrists earn more nationally. The median is $136,570 for Optometrists versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $72K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Optometrists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Optometrists has the better 10-year outlook at 8% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Optometrists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Optometrists typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Optometrists get paid the most?
Alaska is the top-paying state for Optometrists at $170,310/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Optometrists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Optometrists earn $170,310 vs. $80,800 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.