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MBBS Doctor Salary in Canada

Updated on 13 February, 2024

Neha Uppal

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

In Canada, the field of medicine offers promising career opportunities and substantial financial rewards for MBBS doctors. As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, so does the earning potential in this esteemed profession.  Recently, the Canadian government announced a staggering CAD 198 billion investment to help improve their healthcare system. It included CAD 1.7 billion to support wage increases for support workers and other healthcare professionals. 

 

With some seriously enticing job prospects and remuneration packages, Canada might be the ideal destination for MBBS professionals.

In this article, we’ll unveil the doctor's average salary in Canada, the licenses required for practice, and other work benefits. Let’s get started!

Canadian Healthcare System: An Overview

The Canadian healthcare system, or Medicare, is publicly funded and designed to provide access to all individuals requiring aid. Be it, natural Canadian citizens or permanent residents, this system ensures that you receive essential medical treatments without paying out of your pocket!

Health care plans in Canada are operated under the regulations of the Canada Health Act, refuting which can lead to loss of public funding. 

Here are some elements of this act:

  • Universal coverage: Every resident has a right to get medical services, regardless of their ability to pay.
  • Comprehensive services: Anything that constitutes a ‘medical necessity’ will be covered by Medicare.
  • Easy portability: Move across provinces stress-free with your portable medical cards.  
  • Direct access to specialists: No more queuing up at GP offices to get medical referrals to specialists. Contact them directly in case of emergencies!

With such well-defined regulations for universal healthcare, it comes as no surprise that their doctors are also looked after. The MBBS doctor salary in Canada is among the most lucrative worldwide and has numerous perks!

Average MBBS Doctor Salary in Canada: Region-wise Division

Now, to the most awaited part- the monthly salary of MBBS doctors in Canada!

We’ve computed a table with payouts as per the geographical variations. As per Canada’s official website, the average MBBS doctor's salary in Canada’s provinces are as follows:

Province/TerritoryAverage Annual MBBS Doctor Salary in Canada (CAD)
Alberta$231,407    
British Columbia$178,810    
Manitoba$258,906    
New Brunswick$193,993    
Newfoundland and Labrador$202,089
Northwest Territory$94,465
Nova Scotia$199,325    
Nunavut$227,152
Ontario$251,496    
Prince Edward Island$232,863    
Quebec$268,245
Saskatchewan$135,000
Yukon$143,102

Source: Job Bank

While getting a work permit and appropriate licenses is a long and tedious process, the results are well worth it! 

A special mention to Nova Scotia- It has the highest demand for doctors in Canada, so much so that the region’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has targeted the Physicians Stream, providing incentives to whoever sets up shop here. 

MBBS Doctors in Canada- Requirements and Qualifications

One can pursue two paths to become a certified MBBS professional in Canada.

The first is to seek a medical degree in Canada and then get a work permit to practice there. 

The second is to get a recognized MBBS degree internationally and apply for licenses in Canada. 

The entire process is outlined below.

StepsFurther Details
Bachelor’s degree in Science/biology/chemistryMeet the GPA requirements of your desired university.
Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)A standardized exam that assesses natural, social, and behavioral sciences and your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Enter the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at a recognized school (or) submit your MBBS degree for verification.

Maintain high GPA scores throughout your course to better employment chances. 

If this is an international course, submit it for an Educational Credential Assessment to validate your degree.

Attend part one-Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE).It is an important examination to get medical licenses for both domestic and international graduates.
Complete mandatory residency trainingTrain with a recognized medical institute in Canada for 2-5 years to get a medical license. 

Credits: Official Sources

Licensing and Certification

Every Canadian province regulates and standardizes medical practice in its respective jurisdiction.

Thus, for the most current updates on the licenses and certifications required, contact:

  • The medical regulatory authority in the province.
  • The international medical graduate program.

You should have the following certifications to receive an above-average MBBS salary in Canada.

CertificationsDetails
Licentiate of Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)Pass the Medical Council of Canada’s Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I and II for work licenses.
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)Specialty certification for various medical specialties like internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and more.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)Specialization in family medicine

While most certifications mentioned are optional, it’s best to get them done. After all, they certainly influence your median pay scale!

MBBS Salary in Canada: Unraveling Additional Benefits and Incentives

Working as a doctor in Canada often comes with numerous benefits, perks, and incentives. It depends on the healthcare organization, specialty, location, and employment type.

A few benefits are listed below:

Healthcare Packages

Organizations provide comprehensive healthcare packages, including dental and vision insurance, disability coverage, and life insurance.

It supports overall well-being and provides financial stability.

Retirement Benefits

Organizations also offer lucrative retirement savings plans, the chief being the Contributory Professional Retirement Savings Plan (CPRSP). It provides benefits on two parameters:

  • Basic benefits.
  • Length of Service benefits.

Professional Development Opportunities

Doctors in Canada are offered opportunities for professional development, continuing medical education (CME), and skill enhancement. 

This may include conferences, workshops, seminars, and funding for further training or research projects.

Generous Vacation and Leave Policies

Doctors enjoy various types of leaves like annual vacation time, paid sick leave, parental leave, and more, as outlined by employment standards or collective agreements. 

This allows them to take time off for personal and family needs.

Specialization and Growth Prospects: How Will it Affect Doctor’s Salary in Canada

Canada is a haven for MBBS professionals, primarily because of the extensive growth opportunities. Within the next decade, job openings for family physicians will hit 48,900, and only 29,400 doctors will be available. Heading into this high-demand, low-supply market will immensely boost career growth and earning potential.

Another way to climb the ladder is to pursue a specialization. For instance, family medicine is one of the highest-paid and in-demand medical professions in Canada. All you need is a certificate from the College of Family Physicians in Canada, and you can earn up to thrice the average doctor's salary.

Other growth options include research and academia, opening your independent clinic, or even pursuing a super-specialization! Whatever your goals, Canada promises doctors a vibrant and fulfilling career in all areas. The possibilities are endless!

From saving lives in bustling hospitals to helping those in need in rural communities, there's something for everyone. The cherry on top, of course, is the attractive remuneration packages and diverse work opportunities.

FAQs

What is the average base salary of MBBS doctors in Canada?

The median salary of MBBS doctors in Canada is $216,833 annually. It may reach up to $451,661 annually.

Can Indian doctors work in Canada?

Yes, Indian doctors can work in Canada. For this, they must first take the federal skilled worker program route to start their career as doctors in Canada. The processing takes about six months.

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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