31101 – Specialists in surgery
TEER 1Occupations usually requiring a university degree
Lead statement
General surgeons treat diseases, injuries and deformities by performing surgical procedures.
Main duties
- Treat diseases, injuries, and deformities by invasive, minimally-invasive, or non-invasive surgical methods, such as using instruments, appliances, or by manual manipulation.
- Provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth. Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system. May also provide general medical care to women. May perform both medical and gynecological surgery functions.
- Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.
- Diagnose, treat, and help prevent benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the renal glands.
- Assess patients' diseases or disorders to determine appropriate surgical procedures
- Perform and supervise surgical procedures to correct physical abnormalities and deficiencies and repair injuries
- Act as consultants to other physicians.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree orin Quebec, completion of a college program and one year of pre-medicine university studies is usually required.
- Graduation from an approved medical school and specific specialty training are required.
- Completion of the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada andlicensing by the provincial or territorial licensing authority are required.
- Five to six years of specialty residency training are required.
- Two years of subspecialty training may also be required.
Example job titles
general surgeon · general surgeon - Canadian armed forces · gynecologist · obstetrician-gynecologist · obstetrician · ophthalmologist · urologist · cardiac surgeon · cardiovascular and thoracic surgery specialist · esthetic surgeon · cosmetic surgeon · pediatric surgeon · plastic surgeon · vascular surgeon · ear specialist · nose specialist · orthopedist · plastic surgery specialist · specialist in plastic surgery · throat specialist
Wages (per year)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $144,482 | $419,180 | $766,730 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $143,704 | $434,053 | $699,989 |
| Nova Scotia | $175,086 | $418,516 | $597,217 |
| New Brunswick | $175,076 | $421,734 | $634,999 |
| Quebec | $165,663 | $397,319 | $642,495 |
| Ontario | $118,538 | $403,957 | $749,689 |
| Manitoba | $161,289 | $457,991 | $826,328 |
| Alberta | $180,159 | $508,561 | $984,111 |
| British Columbia | $146,214 | $441,788 | $819,593 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.