Latest update: A new 2025 Ontario pilot program ties bonuses to digital health adoption, boosting family doctors’ monthly income by up to 7% for virtual care integration, per Health Canada.
Canada continues to attract medical professionals with its competitive salaries and strong healthcare infrastructure. Doctors in Canada earn an average annual salary of CA$200K (INR 1.20CR). Highly paid specialists like Ophthalmologists can earn as much as CA$870K (INR 5.24CR), while General Medicine practitioners typically earn closer to the national average.
But salaries can vary widely depending on factors like specialisation, geographic location, experience level, and whether doctors work in public hospitals or private clinics. This guide breaks down doctor salary in Canada by each of these aspects and explains how demand, cost of living, and regional healthcare policies shape earning potential.
Thinking long-term about your medical career? Check out top medical courses in Canada and explore what it takes to study in Canada from education to earning potential.
Doctor Salary In Canada: Overview & Key Stats
Canada has over 97,000 doctors, showing a strong healthcare system. But with one doctor for every 412 people, some areas still face shortages. Knowing these numbers helps doctors choose the right specialisation, location, and career path in Canada.
Below are some key statistics to help you grasp the overall structure of the medical profession in Canada.
Number of Doctors in Canada
97,384
Doctor to People Ratio
1:412
Education Duration
10 to 14 years, including undergraduate, medical school, and licensing exam (MCCQE).
Understanding these figures will set a strong foundation for learning about doctor salary in Canada across various specialisations. Move on to the next section to explore how these specialisations impact earning potential.
Average Doctor Salary In Canada: By Specialisation
Doctor salaries in Canada vary a lot depending on the specialisation. Ophthalmologists earn the highest, with an average yearly salary of about CA$870,000, which is around INR 5.24 crore. Urologists, surgical specialists, and general surgeons also earn well, usually above CA$500,000 or INR 3 crore a year.
In comparison, doctors in general medicine and psychiatry earn less. General physicians earn around CA$200,000 or INR 1.20 crore, while psychiatrists make about CA$327,000 or INR 1.97 crore per year.
These differences happen because of factors like how complex the work is, how long the training takes, the demand for the skill, and how many patients are treated. Specialisations that involve detailed surgeries or high-risk procedures tend to pay more.
Here is a detailed breakdown of doctor salaries in Canada by specialisation.
Specialisation
Annual Average Salary (CA$)
Annual Average Salary (INR)
Ophthalmology
CA$870K
INR 5.24CR
Surgical specialists
CA$575K
INR 3.46CR
Urology
CA$577K
INR 3.47CR
General surgery
CA$541K
INR 3.26CR
Cardiology
CA$536K
INR 3.23CR
Otolaryngology
CA$528K
INR 3.18CR
Plastic surgery
CA$506K
INR 3.05CR
Orthopedic surgery
CA$506K
INR 3.05CR
Gastroenterology
CA$502K
INR 3.02CR
Obstetrics/gynecology
CA$484K
INR 2.92CR
Internal medicine
CA$472K
INR 2.84CR
Dermatology
CA$480K
INR 2.89CR
Medical specialists
CA$413K
INR 2.49CR
Pediatrics
CA$366K
INR 2.20CR
Neurology
CA$357K
INR 2.15CR
Family medicine
CA$332K
INR 1.99CR
Psychiatry
CA$327K
INR 1.97CR
General Medicine
CA$200K
INR 1.20CR
Source: Payscale, Invested
Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate.
Since specialization affects how much doctors earn, experience also plays a big role in shaping salaries in Canada. The next section shows how doctors incomes grow with more years of practice.
Doctor Salary in Canada: By Experience
Doctor's salary in Canada increases steadily with experience. Entry-level doctors employed by hospitals earn around CA$165K (INR 99.38L), while experienced independent practitioners earn as high as CA$245K (INR 1.48CR).
These salary differences are influenced by s factors like specialisation, employment type, and the scope of responsibilities. Hospital-employed doctors usually have stable incomes, while independent practitioners can earn more due to private practice and higher patient volumes.
As doctors progress in their careers, their compensation reflects growing expertise, patient volume, and clinical autonomy.
Here’s how salaries evolve across experience levels in Canada.
Experience Level
Annual Average Salary
Hospital Employed
Entry-level
CA$99K (INR 59.62L)
CA$165K (INR 99.38L)
Mid-Level
CA$207K (INR 1.25CR)
CA$182K (INR 1.09CR)
Experienced
CA$245K (INR 1.48CR)
CA$195K (INR 1.17CR)
Source: Payscale, Glassdoor
Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate.
While experience contributes significantly to earnings, location plays an equally important role. The next section explores how doctor salary in Canada varies across different regions.
Doctor Salary in Canada: By Location
Doctor salaries in Canada change from one city to another. In Montréal, doctors earn around CA$200,000 a year (about INR 1.20 crore). Vancouver comes next with an average salary of CA$194,000 (around INR 1.16 crore). These changes are mostly due to things like how many people live there, how much medical care is needed, and how many specialised hospitals are available.
The table below shows doctor salaries in different cities across Canada.
Location
Annual Average Salary (C$)
Annual Average Salary (INR)
Calgary
CA$151K
INR 90.95L
Toronto
CA$160K
INR 96.37L
Winnipeg
CA$147K
INR 88.54L
Vancouver
CA$194K
INR 1.16CR
Mississauga
CA$153K
INR 92.15L
Montréal
CA$200K
INR 1.20CR
Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate.
Understanding salary variations across locations within Canada is essential, but comparing salaries across countries offers deeper insight into earning potential. The next section highlights how doctor salary in Canada measures up against other nations.
Average Doctor Salary in Canada vs Other Countries: Comparison
Doctor salaries in Canada are strong compared to many other countries. On average, doctors in Canada earn about CA$200,000 a year (around INR 1.20 crore). In the US, the average is a bit higher at USD 183,000 (around INR 1.52 crore).
These pay differences are mainly due to how healthcare is funded, how many doctors are available, the country’s income level, and how medical licenses work.
The table below shows how doctor salaries in Canada compare to other countries.
Country
Average Annual Salary
Average Annual Salary (INR)
Canada
CA$200K
INR 1.20CR
USA
$183K
INR 1.52CR
UK
£60K
INR 62.70L
New Zealand
NZ$150K
INR 71.80L
Australia
AU$138K
INR 71.24L
Germany
€60K
INR 56.12L
India
INR 7L
INR 7L
Source: Payscale
Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate.
Looking at salaries in different countries is helpful, but it’s also important to understand how pay changes within Canada itself. Doctor income can vary depending on the type of healthcare setting they work in. The next section explains how salaries differ across hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other workplaces in Canada.
Salary Comparison in Different Healthcare Settings in Canada
Doctor salaries in Canada can change a lot depending on where they work. Government hospitals and teaching positions pay the most, with average salaries of about CA$165,000 (around INR 99.38 lakh). Private hospitals offer a bit less, with doctors earning around CA$158,000 (about INR 95.16 lakh).
Doctors who run their own clinics or work independently earn the least, with an average salary of CA$100,000 (roughly INR 60.23 lakh). These differences come from things like job security, funding, number of patients, and how much admin work each role involves.
The table below shows how doctor pay changes across different healthcare settings in Canada.
Healthcare Setting
Annual Average Salary (C$)
Annual Average Salary (INR)
Government Hospital
C$165K
INR 99.38L
Practise
C$100K
INR 60.23L
Academics
C$165K
INR 99.38L
Private Hospital
C$158K
INR 95.16L
Source: Glassdoor, Indeed
Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate.
Every healthcare setting offers different benefits, duties, and salary levels. The next section looks at the key factors that affect how much doctors earn in Canada in 2025.
Factors Affecting Doctor Salary in Canada in 2025
Doctor salaries in Canada depend on many things like experience, specialisation, and where they work. Canada is expected to need about 22,000 more general and family doctors between 2024 and 2033. This means more job openings and higher demand for trained doctors.
If you want to work as a doctor in Canada, it's important to understand what affects your pay. It can help you choose the right field, pick a good place to work, and plan your career better.
Here are the main things that affect doctor salaries in Canada:
1.Specialisation
Doctors who work in fields like surgery or cardiology usually earn more because their work is more complex and in high demand. For example, surgical specialists make about CA$575,000 a year (around INR 3.46 crore), while family doctors earn around CA$332,000 (about INR 1.99 crore).
2.Experience
More experience often means higher pay. New doctors working in hospitals earn around CA$165,000 (about INR 99.38 lakh), while experienced doctors with their own practice can earn up to CA$245,000 (around INR 1.48 crore).
3.Location
Where a doctor works also affects pay. In Vancouver, doctors earn about CA$194,000 (around INR 1.16 crore), while in Winnipeg, the average is about CA$147,000 (around INR 88.54 lakh).
4.Workplace Type
The setting where a doctor works can change their income. Jobs in government hospitals and universities pay around CA$165,000, while private clinics or independent practice pay less, around CA$100,000 (about INR 60.23 lakh).
5.Gender Pay Gap
Female doctors often earn less than male doctors, even in the same field. This gap happens because of differences in the types of patients they treat, how referrals are made, and how much time they spend with each patient.
6.Economic Trends
General pay trends in Canada also affect doctors. In 2024, salary budgets rose by 3.9%, and a 3.5% increase is expected in 2025. This helps push doctor salaries up over time.
Recognizing these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about your medical career in Canada. The next section will explore how upGrad can assist you in preparing for doctor jobs in Canada.
How Can upGrad Support Your Medical Career Plans in Canada?
upGrad offers personal support for doctors who want to work in Canada. They guide you through every step, from understanding license rules to building a strong profile for global job opportunities.
Here’s how upGrad can help you:
Career guidance and mentorship
You’ll get to connect with experts who understand the Canadian healthcare system. They’ll help you learn what qualifications and certifications you need, and what job options are available.
Skill development programs
You can join training sessions and workshops made to improve your medical skills. These help you stand out when applying for jobs in Canada.
Help with applications and documents
The process to work as a doctor in Canada can be confusing. upGrad gives you clear support with paperwork, licensing steps, and how things work in the Canadian medical system.
Thinking about building a successful medical career in Canada? Book a free counseling session with upGrad’s expert advisors today and gain the insights you need to excel.
Yes, Indian doctors can work in Canada, but they need to pass some exams and do a training program. Once they finish that, they can get a license. It takes time and effort, but many Indian doctors have done it.
How much do doctors earn in Canada per year?
Doctors in Canada usually earn between CA$150,000 and CA$300,000 per year. That’s about ₹90 lakh to ₹1.8 crore. The amount depends on what kind of doctor they are and where they work. Surgeons and specialists earn more.
What exams do Indian doctors need for Canada?
Indian doctors need to pass exams like the MCCQE Part I and the NAC OSCE. They may also need to take an English test like IELTS. These exams check medical skills and communication before starting practice or training in Canada.
Is NEET valid for medical practice in Canada?
No, NEET is not accepted in Canada. It’s only used for Indian colleges. To work in Canada, you’ll need to clear Canadian exams and meet their medical licensing rules.
How much does licensing cost in Canada?
The total cost to get licensed is around CA$5,000 to CA$10,000, which is ₹3–6 lakh. This includes exam fees, paperwork, and registration. You might also spend more if you join coaching classes or buy study books.
What’s the cost of studying medicine in Canada?
Studying medicine in Canada costs between CA$27,000 to CA$80,000 per year, or around ₹16 to ₹48 lakh. Fees depend on the college. International students usually pay more than local students.
How long does it take to become a doctor in Canada?
It takes about 10 to 12 years. First, 4 years for college, then 4 years in medical school, and 2 to 5 years of training. Doctors from other countries may take more time due to extra exams and steps.
Can I do PG in Canada after MBBS from India?
Yes, but you need to clear the required exams first. Then you can apply for a training seat through the Canadian system. It’s not easy, but many Indian doctors get in with good preparation and high scores.
Can I bring family while working in Canada?
Yes, you can bring your spouse and kids if you have a work or study permit. You must show you can support them. You’ll need to show around CA$1,000 (₹60,000) a month for each family member.
What’s the cost of living for doctors in Canada?
Doctors spend around CA$2,000 to CA$4,000 each month, which is about ₹1.2 to ₹2.4 lakh. This covers rent, food, transport, and other things. Big cities cost more than smaller towns.
Is Canada a good country for Indian doctors?
Yes, Canada is a good place for Indian doctors. It has a strong healthcare system, good pay, and safe cities. The process to work there is long, but it’s worth it for a stable job and better life.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland...
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