Orthodontists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Orthodontists out-earn Registered Nurses by $192K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Orthodontists land at $289,140 and Registered Nurses 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 Orthodontists is Connecticut ($478,680); for Registered Nurses 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, Orthodontists or Registered Nurses?
Orthodontists earn more nationally. The median is $289,140 for Orthodontists versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $192K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Orthodontists or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses has the better 10-year outlook at 4.9% projected growth, compared to 4.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Orthodontists get paid the most?
Connecticut is the top-paying state for Orthodontists 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, Orthodontists earn $478,680 vs. $102,740 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.