Physicians, Pathologists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Physicians, Pathologistss out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess by $248K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physicians, Pathologistss land at $312,400 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess at $64,400. The education gap is real: physicians, pathologist programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Physicians, Pathologistss is Pennsylvania ($413,370); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Physicians, Pathologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Physicians, Pathologistss or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Physicians, Pathologistss earn more nationally. The median is $312,400 for Physicians, Pathologistss versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess, a difference of $248K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physicians, Pathologists 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, Physicians, Pathologists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Physicians, Pathologists 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 Physicians, Pathologistss get paid the most?
Pennsylvania is the top-paying state for Physicians, Pathologistss at $413,370/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Physicians, Pathologists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Nevada, Physicians, Pathologistss earn $384,350 vs. $76,160 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.