A licensed practical nurse works under the supervision of nurses, nurses’ assistants, and doctors and cares for a wide variety of patients.
In your role as an LPN, you’re likely to take vitals, obtain samples, monitor your patient’s comfort, and provide any medications.
Have you ever considered becoming a licensed practical nurse but not sure whether it is right for you? The purpose of this article is to give you an overview of what LPNs make in Canada, how in-demand they are, and which areas they are needed in.
How much does a practical nurse make in Canada?
LPNs in Canada earn an average salary of $56,582 per year or $29.02 per hour. Beginning salaries for most entry-level jobs start at $50,578 per year, while top earners reach $64,045 per year.
Here is the complete guide on How Much Do Nurses Make a Year in Canada? Province By Province Breakdown
Are LPNs in demand in Canada?
A total of 33,500 new jobs will open up in the private sector from 2019-2028, which will require 28,000 new candidates in order to fill them.
Is LPN a good career in Canada?
Licensed Practical Nurses are expected to enjoy positive employment prospects in Canada over the next few years. Among the fastest-growing sectors of Canada’s economy, LPNs are in high demand.
Where do LPNs get paid the most in Canada?
- Red Deer, AB. 44 salaries reported. $31.70. per hour.
- Vancouver, BC. 483 salaries reported. $30.16. per hour.
- Surrey, BC. 187 salaries reported. $30.06. per hour.
- Lethbridge, AB. 35 salaries reported. $28.98. per hour.
- Halifax, NS. 340 salaries reported. $28.78. per hour.
The type of facility you work in will depend on where you live, how much experience you have, and what type of facility you work in, such as:
- Long-term care facility
- Private Facility
- Public Facility
There are slight variations in the average salary of Licensed Practical Nurses across all provinces in Canada as well as within a particular province. Here are a few salary figures that help break things down – see also PSW salary in Canada.
Salary by Provinces
British Columbia
Compared to other provinces, the LPN salary in BC is a lot higher, starting at around $28 and going as high as $35 an hour. Since British Columbia is one of the most expensive cities in Canada to live in, there is no reason to wonder why the salary is higher.
Alberta
LPNs in Alberta make an average salary of $50,156. LPNs typically earn between $21 and $32 an hour, with the average starting from $21 for recent grads to $32 for experienced professionals. When working in a private facility or a smaller long-term residence, the pay tends to be lower.
Quebec
In Quebec, an LPN earns approximately $25 an hour at a salary of $50,902. Regardless of whether you live in a large city or not, the rate is essentially the same throughout the province. LPNs who are new to the profession may earn as little as $22 an hour, while more experienced ones might earn around $28 an hour.
Manitoba
LPNs in Manitoba earn an average salary of $55,017 per year. Starting salaries are typically around $25 per hour. LPNs with experience can earn up to $33 an hour, again depending on location, facility, and experience.
Ontario
Ontario LPNs are actually called RPNs. What’s the difference between LPNs and RPNs? Essentially, they are the same types of nurses, just with different names. While LPNs stands for Licensed Practical Nurse, RPN stands for Registered Practical Nurse.
On average, they make around $54,600 which comes out to around $26 per hour. Typically they have a starting salary of around $24 and can go up to $30 an hour. While this may seem a bit higher for a starting wage compared to other provinces, you have to keep in mind that Ontario has much higher living expenses.
Saskatchewan
The LPN salary in Saskatchewan ranges between $61,406-$62,961 which makes it by far the highest average LPN salary in Canada. The highest you can earn is $72,534.34
Hourly ranges are placed at around $30-$35, and of course, they vary a bit here and there depending on what type of facility you’re working at.
Job outlook in Ontario
Recent trends show that the number of LPNs in Ontario has been increasing. Most LPNs are employed in:
- Hospitals
- Nursing care facilities
- Residential Care facilities
In the coming years, Ontario’s aging population should create employment opportunities for all nursing occupations.
Increasing the capacity of this industry may increase demand for this occupation
- Long-term care homes
- Leverage retirement homes
- Supportive housing
- Implement strategies to address dementia and palliative care.
Demand for LPNs in Canada
The number of employment openings forecast for LPNs is expected to reach 33,500 during the period 2019-2028, with 28,00 additional job seekers expected to fill the positions.
Canadians’ health care needs have been a priority for both the provincial and federal governments, while colleges are expanding practical nursing education programs to meet the demands of an aging population. Since chronic patients will increasingly be treated in the community, employment opportunities will grow.
LPN Career Path
Licensed practical nurses are among the healthcare professionals. Your job is to provide patient care under the direction and supervision of a nurse.
In your role as an LPN, these are some of the tasks you will be responsible for:
- Assess the patient’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate
- Prepare blood and urine samples for testing by performing routine lab tests
- Dietary monitoring for patients
- Administer medication and document therapeutic effects
- Preparation and postoperative comfort care for the patient
- Apply bandages to wounds
- Make sure you’re getting proper respiratory and intravenous care
LPN jobs are often available in specialty fields, such as:
- Emergency wards
- Pediatric Wards
- Operating Rooms
To improve patient outcomes and to use nursing staff more effectively, LPNs are taking on increased responsibilities. This includes alternative careers and working in the clinical setting.
- Mental Health
- Community Studies
- Pharmacology Studies
Conclusion
In most provinces, wages for licensed practical nurses are comparable, except in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Generally speaking, they make between $40k and $60k, while provinces make between $52,000 and $58,000.
You should keep in mind that this does not include bonuses, overtime, or doubles. You can reach the $60,000 mark if you are willing to work overtime or nights from time to time.
Especially with the increase in the aging population, LPNs are in great demand all across Canada.
Written by Sara Rembert
Sara has a background in health care and case management, working for several years as a home help aid. Having always loved writing, but unsure of how to put her expertise to use, she brought together these two passions by becoming a freelance writer, specializing in medical and nursing writing.
