Speech-Language Pathologists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Speech-Language Pathologistss out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess by $33K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Speech-Language Pathologistss land at $97,870 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess at $64,400. The education gap is real: speech-language pathologist programs typically require master's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Speech-Language Pathologistss is California ($118,970); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Speech-Language Pathologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Speech-Language Pathologistss or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Speech-Language Pathologistss earn more nationally. The median is $97,870 for Speech-Language Pathologistss versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess, a difference of $33K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Speech-Language 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, Speech-Language Pathologists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Speech-Language Pathologists typically requires master's degree. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Speech-Language Pathologistss get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Speech-Language Pathologistss at $118,970/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Speech-Language Pathologists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Speech-Language Pathologistss earn $118,970 vs. $79,750 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.