Surgeons, All Other vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Surgeons, All Other out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by $350K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Surgeons, All Other land at $414,010 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses at $64,400. The education gap is real: surgeons, all other programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Surgeons, All Other is North Dakota ($604,890); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Surgeons, All Other median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Surgeons, All Other or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Surgeons, All Other earn more nationally. The median is $414,010 for Surgeons, All Other versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $350K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Surgeons, All Other or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Surgeons, All Other has the better 10-year outlook at 3.9% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Surgeons, All Other or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Surgeons, All Other 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 Surgeons, All Other get paid the most?
North Dakota is the top-paying state for Surgeons, All Other at $604,890/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Surgeons, All Other vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Hampshire, Surgeons, All Other earn $534,870 vs. $77,110 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.