Physical Therapists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Physical Therapistss out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess by $38K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physical Therapistss land at $102,760 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess at $64,400. The education gap is real: physical therapist programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Physical Therapistss is California ($124,190); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Physical Therapists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Physical Therapistss or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Physical Therapistss earn more nationally. The median is $102,760 for Physical Therapistss versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess, a difference of $38K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physical Therapists 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, Physical Therapists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Physical Therapists 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 Physical Therapistss get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Physical Therapistss at $124,190/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Physical Therapists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Physical Therapistss earn $124,190 vs. $79,750 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.