Firefighters 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 $2,810 more per year than Firefighters professionals — that's 4.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Firefighters earns $101,330 compared to $80,510 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Salary Range Comparison
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Firefighters | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $34,490 | $47,960 | $-13,470 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,180 | $55,220 | $-11,040 |
| Median (50th) | $59,530 | $62,340 | $-2,810 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,410 | $73,160 | +$4,250 |
| 90th Percentile | $101,330 | $80,510 | +$20,820 |
| Mean (Average) | $63,890 | $64,150 | $-260 |
Employment Numbers
Firefighters
332,240
employed nationwide
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
632,430
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Firefighters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $164,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $121,270 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $108,320 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $105,250 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $102,220 |
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: Firefighters or Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
What is the salary range for Firefighters?
What is the salary range for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
How many Firefighters and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses jobs are there?
Is it worth switching from Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses to Firefighters?
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS