Did you know… medical profession in Canada is one of the most rewarding careers? Thousands of IMGs are relocating to Canada in the hope of making it big in their life. You can be one of them too. There has always been a shortage of doctors in the countryside and few urban areas in Canada and hence, the plethora of opportunities. Whether you’re a medical aspirant in home country, registered doctor overseas wanting to move to Canada, this is your go-to guide to understand the average salary of a doctor in Canada and head start a successful career. Let’s keep reading to find out detailed insights.
Why there is so much demand for doctors in Canada?
A report from Statista states that, between 2024 and 2033, Canada might face a shortage of nearly 22k general practitioners and family physicians.
This shortage:
- Increases bargaining power for doctors
- Could push your salaries upward in rural/remote areas
- Creates better conditions for new graduates
How much can a doctor earn in Canada?
Doctors in Canada earn somewhere between CAD $200k to $340k per year which is equivalent to ₹1.2 cr to ₹2.1 cr. Yes, you heard it right. Even two doctors in the same province could earn vastly different incomes depending on their:
- Specialisation
- Private practice vs public hospitals
- City vs rural practice
Let’s break it all down.
Doctor Salary Breakdown in Canada by Specialisation (2025)
We’ve saved your time. No need to hound over search engines, here’s a breakdown of salaries of doctors in Canada based on their branches/specialisation:
Specialty | Salary (CAD) | Salary (INR) |
Ophthalmology | $870k | ₹5.22 Crore |
Urology | $577k | ₹3.46 Crore |
General Surgery | $541k | ₹3.25 Crore |
Cardiology | $536k | ₹3.22 Crore |
Plastic Surgery | $506k | ₹3.04 Crore |
Orthopedic Surgery | $506k | ₹3.04 Crore |
Dermatology | $480k | ₹2.88 Crore |
Pediatrics | $366k | ₹2.20 Crore |
Neurology | $357k | ₹2.14 Crore |
Psychiatry | $327k | ₹1.96 Crore |
Family Medicine | $332k | ₹1.99 Crore |
General Medicine | $200k | ₹1.20 Crore |
Doctor Salaries by Experience Level
It pays to gain experience. Here’s how salaries increase as you progress your career as a doctor in Canada:
Experience Level | Annual Salary (CAD) | Annual Salary (INR) |
Entry-Level | $99k – $165k | ₹59.4 lakh – ₹99 lakh |
Mid-Level | $182k – $207k | ₹1.09 cr – ₹1.24 cr |
Experienced | $195k – $245k | ₹1.17 cr – ₹1.47 cr |
How much can a doctor earn by Province and City (2025)
Numbers don’t lie and so is the below statistics that gives you clear idea what to expect as a doctor in notable provinces and cities in Canada. Let’s have a look:
Factors that influence salary differences:
- Cost of living
- Demand for doctors
- Provincial health funding
- Rural incentives
Public vs Private Sector: Where Do Doctors Earn More?
Good news is, no matter where you work in Canada, you get paid bountiful. It is purely due to their utmost respect for work life balance and fair wages practice that makes them a top tier country. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect as a doctor in different healthcare setting:
Setting | Average Salary (CAD) | Average Salary ( INR) |
Government Hospital | $165k | ₹99 lakh |
Private Hospital | $158k | ₹94.8 lakh |
Academics | $165k | ₹99 lakh |
Independent Practice | $100k | ₹60 lakh |
Take your Canadian medicine career to the next level with us.
How does the Average Salary of Doctors in Canada differ from Other Countries?
Doctors in Canada are paid the most if you compare with other top-tier countries. This is mainly due to the shortage of healthcare professionals in regional areas and few urban cities. Let’s look at the comparison table below to have a brief overview:
Country | Local Currency | Indian Rupees |
Canada | CA$200k | ₹1.2 cr |
USA | US$183k | ₹1.52 cr |
UK | £120k – £250k | ₹1.26 cr – ₹2.62 cr |
Australia | AU$138k | ₹77.28 lakh |
New Zealand | NZ$150k | ₹72 lakh |
Germany | €60k (≈ CA$90k) | ₹54 lakh |
India | ₹7 lakh |
How to Get More Salary as a Doctor in Canada?
It is the era of skills. Get more skilled, get paid more.
- Specialise in high-demand fields (e.g., Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Neurology)
- Practice in rural areas where incentives are higher
- Pursue telemedicine, future income streams are tied to virtual care
- Develop surgical skills for higher compensation
- Open your own clinic if you’re entrepreneurial
Also Read: Doctor Salary in New Zealand
To conclude with…
Doctors in Canada enjoy a lavish life. The average doctor's salary in Canada ranges between CAD $200k and $340k in 2025. Specialists like neurologists, ophthalmologists and cardiologists might earn nearly $900k. A family doctor in a rural area might command lucrative incentives. Not just high salaries, but you can enjoy a great work life balance, healthy workplace environment. If you’re dreaming of practicing medicine in Canada, the future looks bright- both professionally and financially.
Start planning your medical career in Canada today.