NOC 2021 · 31101 · TEER 1
NOC 31101: Specialists in surgery
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Specialists in surgery perform and supervise surgical procedures. Specialists in surgery usually work in hospitals. Residents in training to become specialists in surgery are included in this unit group.
TEER
TEER 1
Usually needs a university degree
Median wage (Canada)
$419,180 / year
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 1
+70 CRS for Canadian work, or 100 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
Healthcare and social services, Physicians with Canadian work experience
Category-based draws (2026)
Express Entry
How NOC 31101 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: not eligibleNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 31101 is in tier 1 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +70 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 100 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
- Healthcare and social services
- Physicians with Canadian work experience (the work must be in Canada)
At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equal part-time) in the past 3 years in one listed occupation, plus Express Entry eligibility and the round instructions.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- General surgeons
- Treat diseases, injuries, and deformities by invasive, minimally-invasive, or non-invasive surgical methods, such as using instruments, appliances, or by manual manipulation.
- Obstetricians and gynecologists
- 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.
- Ophthalmologists
- Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.
- Urologists
- Diagnose, treat, and help prevent benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the renal glands.
- Other specialists in surgery
- 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.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- cardiac surgeon
- general surgeon
- neurosurgeon
- obstetrician-gynecologist
- ophthalmologist
- orthopedic surgeon
- orthopedist
- otorhinolaryngologist
- pediatric surgeon
- plastic surgeon
- thoracic surgeon
- urologist
- vascular surgeon
All 39 job titles in NOC 31101
- cardiac surgeon
- cardiothoracic surgeon
- cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon
- cardiovascular and thoracic surgery specialist
- cardiovascular surgeon
- cosmetic surgeon
- ear specialist
- esthetic surgeon
- eye specialist
- general surgeon
- general surgeon - Canadian Armed Forces
- gynecologist
- laryngologist
- neurological surgeon
- neurosurgeon
- nose specialist
- obstetrician
- obstetrician-gynecologist
- ophthalmologist
- orthopedic surgeon
- orthopedics specialist
- orthopedist
- otolaryngologist
- otologist
- otorhinolaryngologist
- otorhinolaryngology specialist
- pediatric surgeon
- plastic surgeon
- plastic surgery specialist
- rhinologist
- specialist in plastic surgery
- specialist in vascular surgery
- surgeon
- surgical physician
- surgical resident
- thoracic surgeon
- throat specialist
- urologist
- vascular surgeon
Requirements
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree or in 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 and licensing 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.
Additional information
- Progression to management positions, such as chief of surgery, is possible with experience.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 31101 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per year in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data. This occupation is reported at an annual rate.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $144,482 | $419,180 | $766,730 | Canadian Institute for Health Information and Canadian Medical Association - custom tabulation, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $143,704 | $434,053 | $699,989 | Canadian Institute for Health Information and Canadian Medical Association - custom tabulation, 2023-2024 |
| Prince Edward Island | $73,872 | $530,709 | $309,016 | Canadian Institute for Health Information and Canadian Medical Association - custom tabulation, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $175,086 | $418,516 | $597,217 | Canadian Institute for Health Information and Canadian Medical Association - custom tabulation, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $175,076 | $421,734 | $634,999 | Canadian Institute for Health Information and Canadian Medical Association - custom tabulation, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $165,663 | $397,319 | $642,495 | Canadian Institute for Health Information and Canadian Medical Association - custom tabulation, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $118,538 | $403,957 | $749,689 | Canadian Institute for Health Information and Canadian Medical Association - custom tabulation, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $161,289 | $457,991 | $826,328 | Canadian Institute for Health Information and Canadian Medical Association - custom tabulation, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $180,159 | $508,561 | $984,111 | Canadian Institute for Health Information and Canadian Medical Association - custom tabulation, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $146,214 | $441,788 | $819,593 | Canadian Institute for Health Information and Canadian Medical Association - custom tabulation, 2023-2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia.
Very goodNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Very good for specialists in surgery (NOC 31101) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Here are some key facts about specialists in surgery in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Specialists in surgery mainly work in the following sectors:
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 71%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 28%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 94% compared to 83% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations
71% of specialists in surgery work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
67% of specialists in surgery are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 57% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 42% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 7% for all occupations
Very goodPrince Edward Island
The employment outlook will be Very good for specialists in surgery (NOC 31101) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about specialists in surgery in Prince Edward Island:
Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Specialists in surgery mainly work in the following sectors:
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 75%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 25%
75% of specialists in surgery work all year, while 25% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
67% of specialists in surgery are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 89% compared to 8% for all occupations
Very goodNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Very good for specialists in surgery (NOC 31101) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Recent graduates from fields of study related to this occupation have found it easy to find work.
The increasing health needs of an aging population favour employment prospects for this occupation. The Nova Scotia Health Authority has been actively recruiting specialist physicians. Recruitment is an extensive process, often taking months, that involves health providers and community members. Some positions remain difficult to fill, as the health authority must compete with other provinces to attact highly-specialized physicians, especially those based in more-rural parts of Nova Scotia.
Here are some key facts about specialists in surgery in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Specialists in surgery mainly work in the following sectors:
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 69%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 31%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 94% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 6% compared to 18% for all occupations
59% of specialists in surgery work all year, while 41% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
55% of specialists in surgery are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 77% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 23% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 10% for all occupations
Very goodSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Very good for specialists in surgery (NOC 31101) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about specialists in surgery in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 350 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Specialists in surgery mainly work in the following sectors:
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 54%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 46%
72% of specialists in surgery work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
67% of specialists in surgery are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 66% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 34% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 7% for all occupations
Very goodAlberta
The employment outlook will be Very good for specialists in surgery (NOC 31101) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Alberta’s population and its proportion of residents aged 65+ are predicted to increase over the next decade, contributing to demand for this occupation.
In 2025, Alberta increased total health spending to $28 billion, marking a 5.4% rise from the previous year.
Ongoing healthcare needs and retirements continue to support steady demand across the sector.
Here are some key facts about specialists in surgery in Alberta:
Approximately 1,200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Specialists in surgery mainly work in the following sectors:
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 54%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 46%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 95% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 5% compared to 20% for all occupations
52% of specialists in surgery work all year, while 48% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
67% of specialists in surgery are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 69% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 31% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 9% for all occupations
GoodNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Good for specialists in surgery (NOC 31101) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
New Brunswick’s growing and ageing population is expected to drive demand for specialists in surgery in the upcoming years. Given the high entrance requirements and limited post-graduate training positions in medical schools across Canada, these professionals are in limited supply. As a result, there continues to be a shortage. Some vacancies are more difficult to fill and both provincial health networks tend to be actively recruiting various specialists in surgery at any point in time, often directly out of school.
Licensing with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick is required.
Most specialists in surgery are employed in the province’s largest urban areas (Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton), due to the high concentrations of people living in these cities. However, opportunities in rural areas are common, as these positions are more difficult to fill.
Here are some key facts about specialists in surgery in New Brunswick:
Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Specialists in surgery mainly work in the following sectors:
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 53%
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 47%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 94% compared to 84% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 6% compared to 16% for all occupations
69% of specialists in surgery work all year, while 31% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
92% of specialists in surgery are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 71% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 28% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodQuebec
The employment outlook will be Good for specialists in surgery (NOC 31101) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about specialists in surgery in Quebec:
Approximately 1,950 people work in this occupation.
Specialists in surgery mainly work in the following sectors:
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 79%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 21%
53% of specialists in surgery work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
72% of specialists in surgery are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 61% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 39% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 11% for all occupations
GoodOntario
The employment outlook will be Good for specialists in surgery (NOC 31101) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about specialists in surgery in Ontario:
Approximately 4,050 people work in this occupation.
Specialists in surgery mainly work in the following sectors:
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 50%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 49%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 95% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
69% of specialists in surgery work all year, while 31% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
64% of specialists in surgery are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 68% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 32% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 13% for all occupations
GoodManitoba
The employment outlook will be Good for specialists in surgery (NOC 31101) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about specialists in surgery in Manitoba:
Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Specialists in surgery mainly work in the following sectors:
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 73%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 27%
62% of specialists in surgery work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
52% of specialists in surgery are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 65% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 35% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 8% for all occupations
GoodBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Good for specialists in surgery (NOC 31101) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Labour shortages continue to affect the delivery of health care services in various parts of the province, especially in northern and rural areas.
Here are some key facts about specialists in surgery in British Columbia:
Approximately 1,600 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Specialists in surgery mainly work in the following sectors:
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 52%
Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 47%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 93% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 7% compared to 22% for all occupations
56% of specialists in surgery work all year, while 43% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
73% of specialists in surgery are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 72% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 28% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: more than 95% compared to 12% for all occupations
UndeterminedNorthwest Territories
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 31101 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
- 31201 Chiropractors
- 31110 Dentists
- 31102 General practitioners and family physicians
- 21110 Biologists and related scientists
- 30010 Managers in health care
- 31209 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
- 31303 Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
- 31100 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
Same occupation group
Physicians and veterinarians
Questions
NOC 31101: common questions
What is the NOC code for specialists in surgery?
What TEER category is NOC 31101?
Is NOC 31101 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 31101 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 31101 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 31101 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 3Health occupationsBroad Category
- 31Professional occupations in healthMajor Group
- 311Health treating and consultation services professionalsSub-major Group
- 3110Physicians and veterinariansMinor Group
- 31101Specialists in surgery
Enquiry
Is NOC 31101 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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