Psychiatric Technicians vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess out-earn Psychiatric Technicianss by $19K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Psychiatric Technicianss land at $45,130 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess at $64,400. The education gap is real: psychiatric technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Psychiatric Technicianss is District of Columbia ($67,430); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Psychiatric Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Psychiatric Technicianss or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $45,130 for Psychiatric Technicianss versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess, a difference of $19K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Psychiatric Technicians 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, Psychiatric Technicians or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Psychiatric Technicians 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 Psychiatric Technicianss get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Psychiatric Technicianss at $67,430/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Psychiatric Technicians vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Psychiatric Technicianss earn $67,430 vs. $75,740 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.