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Up to 3 careers or trades side by side, on the numbers that decide between them.
Scroll the table sideways to reach every pathway.
| Pathway | Surgical Technologist Career | Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) Career |
|---|---|---|
| Salary range | $50K–$80K+ (planning range) | $50K–$75K+ (planning range) |
| Median salary | None (a planning range has no median) | None (a planning range has no median) |
| Pay basis | Planning range from the Wealth Playbook medical careers guide, 2026 | Planning range from the Wealth Playbook medical careers guide, 2026 |
| Time to qualify | 1–2 years | 12–18 months |
| Training | Certificate / associate degree, 1–2 years | Approved nursing program + license, 12–18 months |
| Pathway | Surgical & Hospital Support (Medical Skilled Trades) | Patient Care (Medical Skilled Trades) |
| Patient contact | Moderate | High |
| Education | Certificate | License |
| College required | No | No |
| Apprenticeship route | No | No |
| Credentials | CST - Certified Surgical Technologist (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) | NCLEX-PN - National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCSBN) |
| Outlook | Employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. | Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. |
| Where you work | Hospitals, Offices of physicians, Outpatient care centers | Nursing and residential care facilities, Hospitals, Home health care services |
| Overtime common | — | — |
| Path to ownership | — | — |
| Next step |
Medical Skilled Trades careers show a planning range from the Wealth Playbook medical careers guide (2026), not wage data, unless BLS wage data has been loaded; the Pay basis row names the source and year, and outlook figures are cited on each career page.