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Salary comparison

Orthotists and Prosthetists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?

Orthotists and Prosthetists out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by $17K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Orthotists and Prosthetists land at $81,110 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses at $64,400. The education gap is real: orthotists and prosthetist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Orthotists and Prosthetists is New Jersey ($118,950); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses it's Washington ($83,150).

Orthotists and Prosthetists
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Median salary
$81,110
$64,400
Hourly rate
$38.99/hr
$30.96/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$46,350
$49,740
Senior level (90th %)
$119,810
$83,440
Education required
Bachelor's degree
Postsecondary nondegree award
U.S. employment
9,390
648,410
Job growth (10-year)
13.3%
2.6%
Category
Healthcare
Healthcare
Top-paying state
New Jersey
Washington

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Orthotists and Prosthetists median pay.

State
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
New Jersey
$118,950
$75,160
Washington
$105,240
$83,150
Maryland
$95,030
$74,660
Oregon
$93,790
$80,470
Rhode Island
$93,350
$80,090
California
$91,820
$79,750
Massachusetts
$89,860
$80,220
Illinois
$89,180
$75,000
Maine
$81,230
$73,200
Nevada
$80,390
$76,160
Connecticut
$77,030
$73,690
Colorado
$76,720
$73,880
New Hampshire
$70,400
$77,110
Arizona
$67,350
$77,070
District of Columbia
$44,080
$75,740

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Orthotists and Prosthetists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?

Orthotists and Prosthetists earn more nationally. The median is $81,110 for Orthotists and Prosthetists versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $17K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Orthotists and Prosthetists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?

Orthotists and Prosthetists has the better 10-year outlook at 13.3% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.

Which requires more education, Orthotists and Prosthetists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?

Orthotists and Prosthetists 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 Orthotists and Prosthetists get paid the most?

New Jersey is the top-paying state for Orthotists and Prosthetists at $118,950/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Orthotists and Prosthetists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Orthotists and Prosthetists earn $118,950 vs. $75,160 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Orthotists and Prosthetists salary breakdownView →Full Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary breakdownView →Best cities for Orthotists and Prosthetists by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by take-home payExplore →How to become a orthotists and prosthetistsGuide →How to become a licensed practical and licensed vocational nursesGuide →