Veterinarians vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Who Earns More?
Veterinarians out-earn Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by $66K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Veterinarians land at $130,100 and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses at $64,400. The education gap is real: veterinarian programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Veterinarians is California ($163,920); for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses it's Washington ($83,150).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Veterinarians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Veterinarians or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Veterinarians earn more nationally. The median is $130,100 for Veterinarians versus $64,400 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, a difference of $66K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Veterinarians or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Veterinarians has the better 10-year outlook at 9.6% projected growth, compared to 2.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Veterinarians or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Veterinarians 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 Veterinarians get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Veterinarians at $163,920/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Veterinarians vs. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Veterinarians earn $163,920 vs. $79,750 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.