Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Median annual salary
632,430 employed nationally
Which Career Pays More?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses professionals earn $12,670 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 25.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $80,510 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Salary Range Comparison
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $47,960 | $-14,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $55,220 | $-17,080 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $62,340 | $-12,670 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $73,160 | $-7,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $80,510 | +$340 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $64,150 | $-8,890 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
632,430
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $77,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $74,590 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $64,930 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $63,590 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $62,970 |
Best Cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| 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: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
What is the salary range for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
What is the salary range for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses jobs are there?
Is it worth switching from Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS