Speech-Language Pathologists vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Speech-Language Pathologists out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by $33K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Speech-Language Pathologists land at $97,870 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 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 Pathologists is California ($118,970); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 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 Pathologists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Speech-Language Pathologists earn more nationally. The median is $97,870 for Speech-Language Pathologists versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $33K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Speech-Language Pathologists or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Speech-Language Pathologists has the better 10-year outlook at 15% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Pathologists get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Speech-Language Pathologists 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 Pathologists earn $118,970 vs. $79,750 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.