July 31, 2025 | British Columbia

If you’re considering a career in healthcare and want to make a meaningful impact without spending four years in university, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a smart move. It’s a hands-on, people-focused profession that blends medical knowledge with compassionate care and it also comes with a solid income, growing demand, and great long-term potential. But let’s get to the question everyone asks: How much does a Practical Nurse make in Canada? The short answer? It depends on where you live and work but across the country, the outlook is strong. Let’s break it all down. 

What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do? 

Before diving into the numbers, it helps to understand the role itself. A Licensed Practical Nurse is a regulated healthcare professional who provides vital care under the supervision of doctors and Registered Nurses (RNs). LPNs are found in hospitals, long-term care homes, community clinics, schools, and even in people’s homes. Their responsibilities include: 
 

• Monitoring and recording vital signs 
• Administering medications and basic treatments 
• Assisting patients with personal hygiene and mobility 
• Supporting wound care and chronic condition management 
• Providing emotional support to patients and families 
• Communicating with the broader healthcare team 
   

It is a role that requires both heart and skill and one that makes a huge difference in patients’ lives every day. 

 
Read More: What Do Licensed Practical Nurses Do? 

So, How Much Does a Practical Nurse Make in Canada? 

According to the latest data from the Government of Canada Job Bank national median wage for Licensed Practical Nurses, it is $30.15 per hour. That means if you work full-time as an LPN, you could earn roughly $60,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on your hours and experience. But wages can vary quite a bit depending on the province or territory, your level of experience, and the type of facility you work in. Let us look at the numbers across Canada. 
 

Bonus Read: How to Become Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada 
 

Hourly Wages for LPNs by Province 

Here’s how hourly wages break down for LPNs across different regions: 
 

 

As you can see, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and the territories offer some of the highest wages, while other provinces still maintain strong median rates close to or above $30/hour. 

What Affects an LPN’s Salary? 

Several factors can influence how much a Practical Nurse earns: 

1. Location 

Rural and northern areas often offer higher wages due to increased demand or difficulty staffing remote locations. Provinces with greater shortages may also pay more to attract talent. 

2. Experience 

Entry-level LPNs typically start at the lower end of the wage scale. But with a few years of experience and additional certifications (like IV therapy or wound care), wages often climb into the higher range. 

3. Specialty 

LPNs who work in high-demand areas like maternity, emergency care, mental health, or palliative care may receive additional compensation or bonuses. 

4. Workplace Type 

Hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and private home care can all offer different pay scales. Public healthcare settings tend to offer competitive wages and strong benefits packages. 

What About Benefits? 

Wages are not the only part of the picture. According to Job Bank data, 92% of LPNs in Canada receive at least one non-wage benefit. These often include: 
 

• Employer-sponsored pension plans 
• Dental, medical, and life insurance 
• Paid sick leave, vacation time, and maternity/parental leave 
• Employer contributions to CPP/QPP and Employment Insurance 
   

So, when you factor in wages and benefits, the compensation package for Practical Nurses in Canada is competitive, reliable, and secure. 

Future Job Demand = Strong Income Security 

Beyond current wages, it is important to look at where the career is headed—and the future for LPNs in Canada is bright. According to the Canadian Occupational Projections System, there is a strong risk of labour shortage for Practical Nurses from 2024 to 2033, driven by: 

• An aging population 
• Retiring nurses (24% of LPNs are aged 50 or older) 
• Increased demand for home and long-term care 
• Expansion of community-based healthcare services 
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Most provinces already report “Good” or “Very Good” job prospects for LPNs. In other words, not only is the pay strong but your chances of being employed are even stronger. 

Launch Your LPN Career with CDI College 

If you want to take advantage of this growing, high-opportunity career, the Practical Nursing Diploma program at CDI College is an excellent place to start. Here is what makes it stand out: 

✔ Comprehensive Curriculum 

You will learn everything from anatomy and pharmacology to patient communication and mental health care. It is a well-rounded education that prepares you for real-world challenges. 

✔ Real Clinical Experience 

The program includes 475 hours of clinical practice and a 180-hour preceptorship, giving you hands-on experience in real healthcare settings before you even graduate. 

✔ Experienced Instructors 

Learn from healthcare professionals who have been in the field and know what it takes to succeed. 

✔ Strong Results 

CDI Surrey campus graduates achieved a 92% pass rate on the REx-PN licensing exam in 2023 above the BC average. 

Final Thoughts 

So, how much does a Practical Nurse make in Canada? The answer is: enough to build a stable, respected, and rewarding career. With median wages over $30/hour, strong benefits, and increasing demand, LPNs are well-positioned for long-term success. And with a practical nursing diploma from CDI College, you can become a licensed practical nurse in less than two years. Ready to get started? Apply today and begin building your future in healthcare.