Pharmacists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Pharmacistss out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess by $77K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Pharmacistss land at $140,910 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess at $64,400. The education gap is real: pharmacist programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Pharmacistss is Alaska ($167,310); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Pharmacists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Pharmacistss or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Pharmacistss earn more nationally. The median is $140,910 for Pharmacistss versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess, a difference of $77K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Pharmacists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational 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, Pharmacists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Pharmacists 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 Pharmacistss get paid the most?
Alaska is the top-paying state for Pharmacistss at $167,310/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Pharmacists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Pharmacistss earn $167,310 vs. $80,800 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.