Radiation Therapists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Radiation Therapistss out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess by $41K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Radiation Therapistss land at $105,310 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess at $64,400. The education gap is real: radiation therapist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Radiation Therapistss is California ($166,450); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Radiation Therapists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Radiation Therapistss or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Radiation Therapistss earn more nationally. The median is $105,310 for Radiation Therapistss versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess, a difference of $41K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Radiation 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, Radiation Therapists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Radiation Therapists 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 Radiation Therapistss get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Radiation Therapistss at $166,450/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Radiation Therapists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Radiation Therapistss earn $166,450 vs. $79,750 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.