General practice in Canada (as a family doctor or general practitioner, GP) is a highly respected and in-demand profession. General practitioners are the first point of contact for patients within the healthcare system, making this role critical to societal well-being. Below is the most accurate updated information on salaries, conditions, training, and comparisons by province for 2025.
A doctor with little experience (new general practitioner) typically makes between CAD $120,000 – $150,000 per year (~CAD $10,000 – $12,500 monthly), depending on the province and practice type. An experienced doctor can make between CAD $200,000 – $300,000+ per year (~CAD $16,500 – $25,000+ monthly). These figures depend on the payment model (fee-for-service or fixed salary), province, patient volume, and whether the doctor works in urban or rural areas.
A doctor without experience makes approximately CAD $120,000 – $150,000 per year, while an experienced doctor, such as those in private practice or high-demand provinces, can make around CAD $200,000 – $300,000+ per year. Salaries vary by province and sector, with higher earnings in remote regions or private practices.
A new or recently certified general practitioner makes approximately CAD $120,000 – $150,000 per year (~CAD $10,000 – $12,500 monthly), before taxes and excluding extras like on-call duties or rural incentives.
With over 5 years of practice, a stable patient base, private practice, or work in high-demand provinces, doctors can make CAD $200,000 – $300,000+ per year (~CAD $16,500 – $25,000+ monthly).
| Province/Territory | Doctor Without Experience (CAD/Year) | Experienced Doctor (CAD/Year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $130,000 - $150,000 | $250,000 - $350,000 | Toronto and Ottawa have high demand and cost of living. |
| Alberta | $130,000 - $160,000 | $270,000 - $380,000 | One of the highest-paying provinces for GPs. |
| British Columbia | $120,000 - $150,000 | $240,000 - $330,000 | Vancouver has high cost of living, strong demand. |
| Québec | $115,000 - $145,000 | $220,000 - $300,000 | Mostly public system, varying fee schedules. |
| Manitoba / Saskatchewan | $120,000 - $150,000 | $230,000 - $320,000 | Incentives in rural communities. |
| Territories (Yukón, NWT, Nunavut) | $140,000 - $170,000 | $280,000 - $400,000+ | High incentives due to isolation and need for doctors. |
Note: Salaries in Alberta and remote territories are higher due to incentives and demand, while Atlantic provinces and Québec tend to be slightly lower.
In Ontario, a doctor without experience makes approximately CAD $130,000 - $150,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes CAD $250,000 - $350,000 per year. Toronto and Ottawa have high demand and cost of living.
In Alberta, a doctor without experience makes approximately CAD $130,000 - $160,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes CAD $270,000 - $380,000 per year. Alberta is one of the highest-paying provinces for general practitioners.
In British Columbia, a doctor without experience makes approximately CAD $120,000 - $150,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes CAD $240,000 - $330,000 per year. Vancouver has a high cost of living and strong demand.
In Québec, a doctor without experience makes approximately CAD $115,000 - $145,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes CAD $220,000 - $300,000 per year. The system is mostly public with varying fee schedules.
In Manitoba or Saskatchewan, a doctor without experience makes approximately CAD $120,000 - $150,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes CAD $230,000 - $320,000 per year. Incentives are available in rural communities.
In Yukón, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut, a doctor without experience makes approximately CAD $140,000 - $170,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes CAD $280,000 - $400,000+ per year. High incentives are offered due to isolation and need for doctors.
Doctors typically work 35–50 hours per week, depending on patient load. Most are remunerated under a fee-for-service model, though some hospitals offer fixed salaries. On-call shifts, emergency duties, and telemedicine can increase monthly income.
The path to becoming a general practitioner in Canada takes approximately 10–11 years: 3–4 years of undergraduate study (often in sciences), 4 years of medical school, and a 2-year family medicine residency. Doctors must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and obtain licensure in their practicing province.
Entry requires competitive academic performance and exams like the MCAT. Training includes clinical rotations and supervised practice.
Canada is home to world-class medical schools. Top institutions include:
Choosing a school depends on location, language (English/French), and program focus (research, clinical, or rural health).
Studying medicine in Canada varies significantly between public and private institutions. Below is a cost breakdown for 2025:
| Item | Public University | Private University | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (annual) | CAD $6,000 – $20,000 | CAD $30,000 – $60,000 | Public university fees lower for domestic students. |
| Total Cost (8–10 years) | CAD $60,000 – $150,000 | CAD $250,000 – $500,000 | Includes undergraduate and medical school; excludes additional expenses. |
| Accommodation and Food (annual) | CAD $15,000 – $25,000 | CAD $15,000 – $25,000 | Higher in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. |
| Books and Materials (annual) | CAD $1,000 – $2,000 | CAD $1,000 – $2,000 | Includes textbooks, medical equipment (e.g., stethoscopes). |
Domestic students can access government loans and grants to cover tuition and living costs, repayable after graduation based on income. International students often rely on scholarships, personal funds, or loans. Costs are higher in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
A doctor’s salary in Canada in 2025 depends on experience and province:
The path to becoming a doctor is long and requires significant investment, but the profession offers substantial financial and professional rewards, with excellent opportunities for growth and job stability across Canada.
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