Surgical Assistants vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Surgical Assistants out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by $2K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Surgical Assistants land at $66,800 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses at $64,400. The education gap is real: surgical assistant programs typically require bachelor's degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Surgical Assistants is District of Columbia ($123,390); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Surgical Assistants median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Surgical Assistants or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Surgical Assistants earn more nationally. The median is $66,800 for Surgical Assistants versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $2K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Surgical Assistants or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Surgical Assistants has the better 10-year outlook at 5.1% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Surgical Assistants or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Surgical Assistants 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 Surgical Assistants get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Surgical Assistants at $123,390/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Surgical Assistants vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Surgical Assistants earn $123,390 vs. $75,740 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.