Have you ever thought about how much a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) earns in Canada?
You’re not alone. Nursing is one of the most rewarding jobs, both financially and emotionally. When you know the licensed practical nurse salary in Canada, it helps prospective nurses prepare better for their future.
Based on the latest Job Bank data, the median hourly wage for LPNs in Canada is approximately CAD $30.15/hour, but this may vary by location, experience, and healthcare facility. Nurse
Whether you’re just looking to get your license via the CPNRE or an experienced nurse exploring provinces for higher pay, understanding current and historical wage trends helps you plan where and when to take your next career step.
This LPN salary guide breaks down everything, from average pay and annual salary analytics to wages and career growth. We break down what the salary for a licensed practical nurse in Canada is—and what you can do to increase your earnings.
What Is a Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Canada?
The salary of a Licensed Practical in Canada typically ranges between $40,000 and $78,000 per year, depending on experience, province, and employer type.
The median LPN wage is approximately $30.15/hour nationally, making it a stable and respected profession in the healthcare industry. LPNs are an essential part of client care and work very closely with registered nurses, physicians, and other health professionals.
A licensed practical nurse’s salary in Canada also comes with advantages, including health benefits, overtime rates and pension contributions. Altogether, the licensed practical nurse salary in Canada is competitive when compared with other healthcare positions.
Licensed Practical Nurse Average Salary by Province
Like most careers in healthcare, the LPN salary in Canada varies from province to province. Urban regions and provinces with higher living costs tend to offer better pay packages.
Here’s a quick provincial comparison:
| Province / Territory | Hourly Wage Range (Low → High) | Median Hourly Wage (Approx.) | Estimated Annual Salary (Full-Time ≈ 2,000 hrs/year) | Notes |
| Canada (National Median) | $24.88 → $35.91 | $30.15/hr | ≈ $60,300/year | National baseline across all provinces & territories |
| Alberta | $26.00 → $36.00 | $31.91/hr | ≈ $63,800/year | Among top-paying provinces; varies by region (e.g., Calgary up to ~$40/hr) |
| British Columbia | $27.50 → $37.20 | $32.00/hr | ≈ $64,000/year | Union wage schedules may exceed base rates |
| Saskatchewan | $30.00 → $39.00 | $37.45/hr | ≈ $74,900/year | Highest median wage reported nationally |
| Manitoba | $23.87 → $37.82 | $31.00/hr | ≈ $62,000/year | Wide entry-level to senior-level wage range |
| Ontario | $25.00 → $35.80 | $30.34/hr | ≈ $60,700/year | Large market; wages differ by employer and region |
| New Brunswick | $23.00 → $33.00 | $31.00/hr | ≈ $62,000/year | Slightly below national high-end range |
| Nova Scotia | $20.00 → $32.28 | $30.00/hr | ≈ $60,000/year | Entry-level lower than national median |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $25.93 → $30.00 | $28.00/hr | ≈ $56,000/year | Modest range; union contracts apply |
| Prince Edward Island (PEI) | $24.52 → $28.90 | $27.00/hr | ≈ $54,000/year | Smaller labour market; lower upper bound |
| Quebec | $25.00 → $33.00 | $30.00/hr | ≈ $60,000/year | Provincial wage structures vary by facility type |
| Northwest Territories | $27.50 → $33.00 | $31.00/hr | ≈ $62,000/year | Remote/northern allowances often apply |
Across provinces, Alberta and British Columbia offer the most competitive LPN salaries in Canada, due to generous healthcare budgets and demand for trained nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse Annual Salary Breakdown
The licensed practical nurse’s annual salary varies based on multiple factors, including work schedule, experience level, and location.
Newly graduated LPNs typically start between $40,000 and $50,000 per year, while mid-level professionals with three to five years of experience earn around $60,000 annually. Senior LPNs and those in supervisory or specialized roles can make up to $78,000 or more per year.
Most Canadian provinces have hourly pay scales that average around $30–$35 per hour, with the potential to earn more through overtime and night shift differentials, bringing total income to $40–$45 per hour.
Many medical institutions will give you bonuses and relocation incentives, especially in rural or underserved areas. Among allied healthcare jobs, the average LPN salary is above average and continues to grow each year.
Factors That Affect Licensed Practical Nurse Salary
Licensed practical nurse pay varies across Canada for several reasons. Here’s what actually affects your earning potential:
Experience & Education Level
The more experience you earn, the more money you make. Even LPNs who have undertaken advanced diplomas, degrees, or current professional education will find themselves making a higher salary.
Specialized Certifications
Additional certifications in pediatrics, geriatrics, or critical care can significantly boost the licensed practical nursing salary level even more.
Type of Healthcare Facility
Your work location matters; hospitals generally pay more than private clinics or long-term care facilities, because of workload and patient complexity.
Geographic Location
Your province or city is a significant factor in how much a Licensed Practical Nurse earns. Regions experiencing nurse shortages or with a higher cost of living (such as Alberta or British Columbia) tend to pay higher salaries for licensed practical nurses.
Union Membership, Collective Agreements & Shift Premiums
Registered union nurses and those whose services are provided under collective agreements have structured wage grids that show pay rates, positional pay progression, and step increases, as well as negotiated overtime rates that financially aid.
Shift premiums, which are given to Public-sector LPNs, are an extra financial incentive for working evening, night, or weekend hours.
Continuous Learning & Adaptability
Through continuing education, LPNs have opportunities to advance into more complex roles and administrative positions, and to increase earnings. The more proactive, flexible, and strategic one is, the higher the salary for an LPN tends to be.
How Much Do Licensed Practical Nurses Make in Different Work Settings?
The salary of a licensed practical nurse is also variable based on the place where you work. In a hospital, an LPN can make $33–$38 per hour, and in a private clinic or for home-care services, it is a little less, typically $30–$32 per hour.
Employment at long-term care facilities provides stability and benefits, but pay rates can be meagre. Often, community health programs and speciality units offer incentives such as performance bonuses or flex schedules.
Overall, the salary of a licensed practical nurse in Canada reflects the challenges of the work and the level of support needed in that particular setting.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Description and Salary Overview
An LPNs is responsible for supervising patient care provided by unlicensed staff and supporting the clinical team in every way needed. Their practice brings together compassion and clinical efficiency.
The licensed practical nurse job description and salary are closely linked to each other; LPNS who are responsible for performing specialized services, like palliative or surgical care, can earn higher wages.
Collaborative, communicative and flexible capabilities can also influence compensation. With their hands-on role in keeping patients healthy, LPNs can expect a strong salary forecast for the foreseeable future at healthcare facilities across Canada.
Career Growth and Salary Outlook for LPNs in Canada
The outlook for licensed practical nurses in Canada looks promising. Medical demands are increasing, and so is the demand for LPNs in hospitals, nursing care homes and rehabilitation centers.
The licensed practical nurse salary in Canada could increase by 10-15% over the next five years, according to current projections.
Many LPNs also choose to upskill and transition into Registered Nurse (RN) roles, another career with a much higher wage. Government initiatives and healthcare reforms are also backing up LPN career progression.
Overall, the future is still positive—steady employment, competitive pay, and multiple career pathways make nursing an attractive long-term profession.
How to Increase Your Licensed Practical Nurse Wage
Are you trying to level up your wage as a licensed practical nurse in Canada? Follow these simple and practical steps:
Commit to Continuous Learning
Stay up to date with professional development courses and workshops. Continuous learning shows initiative and boosts your value.
Gain Advanced Certifications
Become a specialist in high-demand fields such as geriatric care, pediatrics or palliative nursing to qualify for higher-paying positions.
Build Experience Over Time
Experience matters; the longer you’re employed as an LPN, the more money you’ll make.
Explore High-Paying Provinces
Moving to provinces such as Alberta or British Columbia, where LPNs are well compensated.
Negotiate Smartly
Don’t hesitate to discuss compensation during your evaluations or job changes. Confident negotiation can result in significant salary increases.
Earn Rewards Through Loyalty
Many healthcare organizations reward consistent performance through bonuses, leadership tracks, or even further education incentives.
Stay Connected and Updated
Network with other nurses, join professional associations, and keep up with healthcare trends—this is how you learn about new, higher-paying jobs.
By strategically upskilling, connecting with other professionals in your field and focusing on specialization or a niche, you can gradually build your LPN salary, ensuring long-term career growth.
Boost Your LPN Career with Sulcus Learning
Dreaming of a rewarding LPN career in Canada?
Sulcus Learning is the leading online prep platform for nursing exams, and it helps you turn that dream into reality. Prepare for your CPNRE or REx-PN exams with interactive tools, bright notes, and real-time progress tracking designed by expert nursing educators.
With AI-powered mock tests that mirror real exam scenarios, Sulcus helps you study smarter, not harder. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for a higher licensed practical nurse salary, Sulcus gives you the edge to succeed. Start your free trial today!
Conclusion
Absolutely. With strong job stability, emotional fulfilment, and an excellent annual salary for licensed practical nurses, the LPN path remains one of Canada’s most rewarding careers. Beyond the paycheck, LPNs enjoy respect, growth opportunities, and the satisfaction of making a real impact on patients.
As healthcare needs expand, both licensed practical nurse salaries and demand will continue to grow. For anyone seeking a steady, meaningful, and well-compensated profession, becoming an LPN in Canada is a wise choice.
Taran Kaur
Lead Sulcus Learning as Managing Director and Lead Instructor, passionate about supporting internationally educated nurses. I help learners navigate their professional journey with guidance, mentorship, and practical strategies that build confidence, competence, and career readiness. Connect with Taran Kaur on LinkedIn.