Physicians, Pathologists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Physicians, Pathologists out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by $248K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physicians, Pathologists land at $312,400 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 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, Pathologists is Pennsylvania ($413,370); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 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, Pathologists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Physicians, Pathologists earn more nationally. The median is $312,400 for Physicians, Pathologists versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $248K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physicians, Pathologists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Physicians, Pathologists has the better 10-year outlook at 4.2% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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, Pathologists get paid the most?
Pennsylvania is the top-paying state for Physicians, Pathologists 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, Pathologists earn $384,350 vs. $76,160 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.