Orthodontists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Orthodontistss out-earn Registered Nursess by $192K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Orthodontistss land at $289,140 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: orthodontist programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Orthodontistss is Connecticut ($478,680); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Orthodontists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Orthodontistss or Registered Nursess?
Orthodontistss earn more nationally. The median is $289,140 for Orthodontistss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $192K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Orthodontists 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, Orthodontists or Registered Nurses?
Orthodontists typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Orthodontistss get paid the most?
Connecticut is the top-paying state for Orthodontistss at $478,680/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Orthodontists vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Connecticut, Orthodontistss earn $478,680 vs. $102,740 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.