Many British GPs consider working abroad at some point in their career. With the cost of living crisis and pressure in the NHS, the idea of working in countries like Canada have become an even more attractive prospect.
Many British GPs consider working abroad at some point in their career. With the cost of living crisis and pressure in the NHS, the idea of working in countries like Canada have become an even more attractive prospect.
With high demand for primary care physicians, competitive earnings and a strong healthcare system, Canada offers opportunities that many NHS doctors find appealing.
One of the most common questions we hear from British doctors exploring opportunities overseas is simple: how much do GPs actually earn in Canada?
The answer depends on several factors, including the province you work in, how your clinic operates, and your patient workload. However, in many cases, GP jobs in Canada can offer significantly higher earning potential compared to the UK.
At Advantage Medical Staffing, we regularly support British doctors who are exploring medical jobs in Canada. In this guide, we explain how incomes for GPs work, typical earning ranges, and what doctors should know before making the move.
One of the biggest differences between working in the NHS and working as a doctor in Canada is the way GPs are paid.
While most NHS GPs work on a salary or partnership model, many doctors in Canada are paid through a fee-for-service system. This means physicians bill the provincial health authority for each consultation or medical service they provide.
Each province sets its own billing rates, but the basic structure is similar across the country. A GP may receive payment for:
Because of this system, a GP’s income often depends on patient volume, the type of services provided, and how the clinic operates.
Some clinics also offer a blend of payment models, which combine fee-for-service billing with incentives or base payments.
Although earnings vary, many GP jobs in Canada offer strong income potential compared with the UK.
On average, family physicians in Canada earn between $400,000 to $700,000 (net being $250,000 to $400,000).
After clinic overhead costs, many GPs still take home a very competitive income.
Typical net earnings may range between:
In some cases, experienced physicians can earn even more.
For British doctors used to NHS pay structures, this difference can be significant. While income should never be the only factor when considering a move, it is understandably an important one.
Toronto is one of the most popular destinations for UK doctors looking at GP jobs in Canada. As Canada’s largest city, it offers a diverse patient population, world-class facilities, and plenty of professional opportunities.
GPs working in Toronto typically earn within the national average range, though income can vary depending on clinic structure.
Doctors working in high-demand clinics with strong patient flow can earn between:
$400,000 to $700,000 ($250,000 to $400,000 after expenses).
Toronto does have a higher cost of living compared with other Canadian cities, particularly when it comes to housing. However, many doctors find that the earning potential and lifestyle balance still make the move worthwhile.
We regularly help British doctors secure doctor jobs in Toronto, and many are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they can build a stable patient base.
Calgary is another attractive option for doctors from the UK exploring GP jobs in Canada.
Alberta has historically offered competitive billing rates and strong demand for family physicians. As a result, many GPs in Calgary enjoy excellent earning potential.
Typical earnings for GP jobs in Calgary may range from CAD $400,000 to $700,000 annually before overhead.
Many clinics in Calgary are actively recruiting internationally trained physicians, including doctors from the UK. Combined with a lower cost of living compared with cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Calgary can be an appealing destination for doctors looking for both financial and lifestyle benefits.
Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, is also a popular choice for British doctors considering doctor jobs in Canada.
The city offers a slightly slower pace of life than Toronto while still providing excellent professional opportunities.
GP earnings in Ottawa are broadly similar to other parts of Ontario, with many doctors earning: CAD $400,000 to $700,000 annually (net being $250,000 to $400,000).
For doctors who prefer a more relaxed environment with strong healthcare infrastructure, Ottawa can be an excellent option.
While headline salary figures are helpful, several factors influence how much doctors in Canada actually earn.
Most Canadian GPs work as independent contractors within clinics. This means doctors usually pay a percentage of their income towards clinic overhead costs.
This fee often covers:
Typically, overhead ranges from 20% to 35% of billings.
Because many clinics operate on a fee-for-service model, patient volume plays a role in overall earnings.
Doctors who see more patients, or who offer specialised services, may earn more.
However, many GPs choose to prioritise work-life balance rather than maximising patient numbers.
Each province sets its own billing structure and incentives, which can affect earning potential.
For example:
Navigating licensing, immigration, and employment opportunities can feel overwhelming for doctors considering a move abroad. That’s where we come in.
At Advantage Medical Staffing, we specialise in helping British doctors explore and secure GP jobs in Canada.
We work closely with clinics and healthcare organisations across the country, helping match qualified UK doctors with suitable opportunities in cities such as Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa.
Our team supports doctors throughout the entire process, including:
Because we understand both the NHS and the Canadian healthcare system, we’re able to guide doctors through the process with clear, practical advice.
For many British doctors, the move to Canada offers a combination of professional autonomy, competitive income, and improved work-life balance.
GPs often enjoy:
Of course, every doctor’s situation is different. That’s why it’s important to explore your options carefully and understand how the system works before making a decision.
Canada continues to face a shortage of family physicians, which means demand for skilled doctors remains strong. For UK-trained GPs, this can create exciting opportunities to build a rewarding career abroad.
If you’re considering a move and want to learn more about GP jobs in Canada, our team at Advantage Medical Staffing is here to help. We work directly with British doctors who are exploring doctor jobs in Canada and can guide you through the next steps in the process.
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For Irish and British doctors, Canada is quickly becoming one of the most attractive destinations to live and work. The country offers fantastic career opportunities, an excellent standard of living, and competitive salaries, all within a healthcare system that values and supports its general practitioners.
If you’re a British GP exploring jobs in Canada, the choice of city can shape not only your career, but your quality of life for years to come.
As the healthcare landscape in Canada continues to evolve, so do the opportunities and challenges for general practitioners.
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