Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide basic patient care and help maintain comfort levels. They do not have the educational training required to provide medication or treatment services to patients. In the US, LPNs earn, on average, an annual salary of $40,539, followed by Canada at C$44,420 ($33,589 USD). When converted to the USD equivalency, the LPN salary is similar in UK, Australia and New Zealand at £22,500 ($23,815 USD), AU$35,000 ($25,742 USD) and NZ$40,000 ($25,742 USD), respectively.
The average annual salary for LPNs in South Africa is R143,885 ($10,515 USD) compared to Rs192,000 ($2,818 USD) in India. Earnings for LPNs vary by geographic region, work setting and experience with further details explained below.
How Much Does a LPN Make per Year?
The chart below outlines the average hourly and annual wage for LPNs in select countries worldwide.
| LPN Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $18 | C$24 | £15 | AU$26 | NZ$25 | Rs100 | R$75 |
| Annual Wage | $40,539 | C$44,420 (US$33,589) |
£22,500 (US$23,815) |
AU$35,000 (US$25,742) |
NZ$40,000 (US$28,052) |
Rs192,000 (US$2,818) |
R143,885 (US$10,515) |
Factors that Influence the LPN Salary
LPN average salary is influenced by geographic region, work setting, and professional experience. Further details and information on a career as an LPN are provided in the following paragraphs.
1. Geographic Area
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in US
LPN salary in the US ranges between $28,266 and $54,368 per year. There are opportunities to boost income through bonus, profit sharing and commission incentives with additional earnings reaching as much as $5,500. Salaries increase slowly and steadily during one’s career, peaking for those with 20 years’ or more experience.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Canada
LPN starting salary in Canada is about C$29,709 per year, increasing to nearly C$62,000 annually. Incomes increase during the first five to 10 years and then plateau for the remainder of one’s career. There is an opportunity for bonus pay that may reach $4,000. Salaries in Halifax and Montreal are lower than the country’s average at 6% and 14% less, respectively. Conversely, earnings are 16% more in Winnipeg and 4% more in Edmonton compared to the average national LPN salary.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in UK
In UK, salaries for LPNs range from £14,031 to £35,688 per year, with average annual earnings hitting £22,500. There is a strong demand for nurses in UK with hiring bonuses for positions through both the National Health Service and the private sector.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Australia
LPN average salary in Australia ranges from AU$36,010 to AU$66,782 per year. With about 70% of Australia’s LPNs having four years’ experience or less and 6% having 20 years’ or more experience, higher incomes are likely earned by those with the most experience.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in New Zealand
LPNs in New Zealand earn, on average, NZ$40,000 per year. About one-half of all nurses in New Zealand work in positions under the District Health Board, and the average age of nurses is over age 50, indicating an increased demand for new nurses beginning the careers as more experienced nurses are nearing retirement age. A shortage of nurses in elder care, primary care, and mental health may result in additional bonuses and hiring incentives as well as housing accommodations for recruited nurses from other countries.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in India
The average salary for LPNs in India is Rs192,000 per year. Earnings increase steadily during the first 10 years of employment in this career, and then may spike dramatically for those with 20 years’ experience or more.
LPN Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, LPNs earn an average annual salary of R143,884. Entry level LPN starting salary is nearly R85,000 per year, increasing to more than R226,000 with experience. Some employers offer bonus pay that can exceed $110,000.
2. Experience
Experience influences salary greatly in some countries while only marginally in others. For example, in India, those with 20 years’ or more experience earn about 158% more than the national average. In Canada, experience is not a strong influencer of income as those with 20 years’ or more in the career field earn only about 4% more than the national average.
3. Industry
LPNs work in hospitals and clinics, physician offices, nursing homes and in home healthcare. Those who specialize in elder care, primary care and mental health care are in demand in some geographic regions. Nursing is a female dominated field that is in high demand with an aging global population. LPNs express high job satisfaction that comes from helping others as well as a good work-life balance.
Working Hours
Working hours vary depending on the work setting. Those who work in hospitals may work longer shifts during three or four days, while those employed in physician offices typically work during normal business hours. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be required for those employed by hospitals, nursing homes or in home healthcare. Overtime pay is commonly paid worldwide for hours worked in excess of 40 hours, although some employers regard 37.5 hours as full-time.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Healthcare benefits that include medical, vision and dental coverage are offered by many employers; however, a fair amount of LPNs indicate ineligibility for these benefits. In fact, 33% of LPNs in the US state they do not receive health benefits. Some employers offer bonus incentives, and due to a shortage of LPNs in many countries and specialties, hiring bonuses may be paid as well as housing accommodations for foreign LPNs who relocate to another country.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates an expected growth rate of 16% between 2014 and 2024 for nursing positions due to an aging population, increased awareness of preventive care, and increased rates of chronic health issues like diabetes and obesity. In New Zealand, nursing is a position in demand, prompting the District Health Board, which employs about one-half of nursing positions, to recruit foreign nurses and offer bonus and housing incentives.
Conclusion
Globally, LPNs are in strong demand with future growth expected to remain strong. The global LPN salary is steady, but lags behind that of registered nurses due to the difference in educational requirements and experience. Those who work in elder care, primary care, and mental health are in demand and may earn higher salaries. Bonuses are often paid while healthcare benefits may vary by employer. LPNs indicate high job satisfaction and a good work-life balance.