SalaryByCity

Computer Programmers vs Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Computer Programmers

$98,670

Median annual salary

109,870 employed nationally

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

$62,340

Median annual salary

632,430 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer Programmers professionals earn $36,330 more per year than Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses professionals — that's 58.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $80,510 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$47,960 – $80,510
$47,960$162,090

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer ProgrammersLicensed Practical and Licensed Vocational NursesDifference
10th Percentile$52,190$47,960+$4,230
25th Percentile$71,860$55,220+$16,640
Median (50th)$98,670$62,340+$36,330
75th Percentile$128,960$73,160+$55,800
90th Percentile$162,090$80,510+$81,580
Mean (Average)$103,640$64,150+$39,490

Employment Numbers

Computer Programmers

109,870

employed nationwide

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

632,430

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Computer Programmers

CityMedian
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$167,970
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$159,250
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA$133,560
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO$122,580
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$122,000

Best Cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$92,840
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$90,810
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$80,480
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA$79,460
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA$78,870

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $36,330 (58.3% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
What is the salary range for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salaries range from $47,960 (10th percentile) to $80,510 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,340.
How many Computer Programmers and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 632,430 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses earns $62,340. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.

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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS