Which Provinces Have the Most Jobs for Doctors in Canada?

If you're a qualified medical doctor, Canada needs you. Doctors are one of the major occupations in demand in Canada. As Canadian health care is mainly government-funded, a doctor’s salary in Canada is high. On top of this, doctors enjoy plenty of perks, and multiple government bodies protect their worker's rights.

With the country's ever-growing population combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada is suffering a shortage of qualified doctors for the increasing needs of the country. As a result, certain provinces have an exceptionally high demand, and even have immigration streams to fast-track doctors into the country. As a result of this high demand, there are thousands of jobs for doctors in Canada.

What are the Best Provinces for Jobs for Doctors in Canada?

Doctors are one of the most in-demand occupations in Canada. However, doctors are usually needed more in certain provinces than in others.

To help determine which provinces and territories have the most opportunities for doctors, and how to use your chosen province to help fast-track your chances of gaining permanent residence in Canada, we've compiled a list of the provinces with the most jobs for doctors in Canada.

Nova Scotia


Nova Scotia has a huge demand for international medical doctors. So much so that the province's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has a specific Physicians stream and Labour Market Priorities for the Physicians Stream. This stream allows specialist and family physicians to have a far higher chance of gaining a provincial nomination in Nova Scotia, guaranteeing them permanent residence in Canada.

If you want to see how these streams work and how they can massively increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident in Canada, click on the banner below.


What is the Average Doctor Salary in Nova Scotia?

According to Salaryexpert.com, the average salary for Nova Scotia doctors is around CA$231 055 per year, but this naturally depends on your specialization, skill level and area.

Newfoundland and Labrador


The Atlantic Provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador have an extremely high demand for medical practitioners, with specialized physicians and family physicians consistently landing on the province's list of in-demand occupations.

Newfoundland and Labrador are one of Canada's provinces that fall under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP). Under the AIP, doctors with at least one year of professional experience can be fast-tracked towards a PNP or permanent residence in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. If you feel you may be eligible for the AIP, here's a full breakdown of the program.

However, as doctors are listed as in-demand in Newfoundland and Labrador, you may be eligible for a provincial nomination. Click on the banner below to find out what criteria you need to fulfil and how to apply for the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP.

What is the Average Doctor Salary in Newfoundland and Labrador?

According to Salaryexpert.com, the average salary for a doctor in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022 is $234,549 per year.

If you're unsure which program is best for you, or which eligibility requirements you still need to fulfill, you should talk to a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). Our RCICs can help determine which programs you're most eligible for and navigate Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) application procedures.

New Brunswick

As another one of Canada's other Atlantic provinces, this coastal province sits on the border with the United States. Due to a large amount of farming and industry in the province, New Brunswick constantly demands medical doctors and practitioners.

As a result, there are thousands of fantastic opportunities for experienced doctors and medical school graduates looking for entry-level positions. As doctors are considered in-demand occupations in New Brunswick, international doctors have a good chance of gaining a provincial nomination via the New Brunswick PNP. If you want to know the eligibility criteria and the application process for the New Brunswick PNP, click on the banner below for a complete breakdown.

What is the Average Salary for Doctors in New Brunswick?

As there is such a high demand for doctors in New Brunswick it has one of the highest doctor salary in Canada, which currently sits at CA$287 707, according to Salaryexpert.com.

Prince Edward Island

One of the three maritime Canada provinces, Prince Edward Island (PEI), has a highly dense population, despite its tiny landmass of 5 660km². The primary industries of the province are farming and fishing, which rely on manual, often dangerous labour. As a result, specialized and family physicians are in very high demand.

Medical doctors are considered highly skilled workers. Therefore, doctors can immigrate to PEI through the Skilled Worker in Prince Edward Island Stream of the PEI PNP. For more information, click the banner below.

How Much do Doctors Earn in PEI ?

The average annual salary for doctors in PEI is CA$236 262. However, this is subject to change based on your specialization.

Saskatchewan

One of the larger, central Canada provinces, Saskatchewan, is proliferating due to the growing industrial hubs of Saskatoon and the province's long history of agriculture and livestock production. As a result, the demand for doctors is also increasing. More and more jobs are available for international doctors in Saskatchewan.

Due to the high demand, doctors are also eligible for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). This program guarantees eligible applicants permanent residence in Canada via the Express Entry system. To see if you qualify for an immigrant nomination in Saskatchewan, click the banner below.

What is the Average Doctor Salary in Saskatchewan?

Despite Saskatchewan's relatively low cost of living, doctors are exceedingly well paid. According to Salaryexpert.com, the average doctor in Saskatchewan makes $236 262 per year.

Yukon

Rugged, rural, mountainous and remote, Yukon's relatively harsh environment, combined with its massive mining industry, leads to a constant need for high-quality doctors. As a result, general practitioners and family physicians consistently rank high on Yukon's list of in-demand occupations.

Due to the high demand for doctors in Yukon, there are many opportunities for immigration for doctors in Yukon. One of the primary opportunities is the Skilled Worker Program of the Yukon PNP, where the Canadian government looks explicitly for professionals who have landed a job offer in Yukon. To see if you're eligible for the Skilled worker program, or any of the Yukon PNP programs, click on the banner below.

How much do Doctors Earn in Yukon?

Due to the high demand for doctors in Yukon, doctors enjoy an average annual salary of$262 458.

British Columbia


One of the most densely populated and dynamic Canada provinces, is British Columbia (BC). This province is a hotspot for doctors looking to get the most out of Canada's beautiful cities. British Columbia is also a fantastic place for entry-level positions as it is home to one of Canada's best medical schools - the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine.

Doctors are in very high demand in BC due to the dense population, and the massive amount of farming the province is famous for. As a result, BC has a specific PNP pilot for health care professionals, which includes nurse practitioners specialized physicians and family physicians. To see if you fulfill the criteria for this program, click on the banner below.

What is the Average Annual Salary for Doctors in BC?

As it currently stands, the average doctor in BC earns $251 246 per year.

Northwest Territories

Massive, rural and remote, the Northwest Territories is one of Canada's largest and most sparsely populated provinces and territories. Yet, like Yukon, much of the Northwest Territories economy runs on hard manual labour like mining, which means there is a constant high demand for qualified doctors.

As a result of this demand, the Northwest Territories allows doctors to gain a provincial nomination under their Skilled Worker Program. To see if you fit the eligibility requirements for a Northwest Territories PNP, click on the banner below

How Much do Doctors Make in the Northwest Territories per year?

According to the Economic Research Institute, the average doctor in the Northwest Territories earn $271,489 per year.

FAQs

Can a foreigner be a doctor in Canada?

If you're a qualified medical doctor and you have obtained your qualification in a foreign country, you can practice in Canada as long as:

  • A Medical council recognizes your medical degree.
  • You pass the licensure exam required by the Canadian province you want to work in.
  • To take the licensure exam, you can apply to the Medical College of Canada Evaluation Examination (MCEE).

Is it easy for doctors to immigrate to Canada?

Because doctors are one of the main occupations in demand in Canada, you would likely stand a good chance of success if you wish to immigrate to Canada as a doctor. However, if you want to become a permanent resident of Canada, you can apply via the IRCC processing time, you can also begin working in Canada with a work permit. For a full breakdown of Canadian work permits and how to apply, consult this handy guide.

How many hours do doctors work in Canada?

General practitioners in Canada generally work 35 to 40 hours a week, but this often changes based on the needs of your medical practice.

What are the best medical schools in Canada?

Canada is famous for having some of the best medical schools in the world. If you want to see which medical school can give you that leg up in your career, look at this full breakdown of the best Canadian medical schools.

What is the Cost of Living in Canada?

Here's a full breakdown of all the factors that make up the Cost of living in Canada.

Get to the Next Level In Canada

Now that you know the following:

  • Why doctors are one of the major occupations in demand in Canada;
  • the average doctor salary in Canada;
  • which provinces provide the best opportunities for international doctors and;
  • how to get your visa or permanent residence through these opportunities.

However, as with any visa application, the process can be complicated and overwhelming. That's why it's always a good idea to enlist professional help who will guide you through the process and increase the chances of your application being accepted. If you want to ensure you start your journey to Canada on the right foot, click the button below.