Dentist vs Surgeon salary
In Canada, a surgeon earns about 57% more than a dentist — $381,216 vs $242,849 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CAD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dentist | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $166,323 | $243,978 |
| 25th | $204,586 | $312,597 |
| Median | $242,849 | $381,216 |
| 75th | $289,583 | $465,083 |
| Senior (90th) | $336,317 | $548,951 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dentist or surgeon earn more in Canada?
- A surgeon earns more, at about $540,000 per year vs $344,000 for a dentist — roughly 57% ($196,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A dentist typically earns $235,600–$476,400, while a surgeon earns $345,600–$777,600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a dentist averages about $28,700 and a surgeon about $45,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a dentist earns about $235,600 while a surgeon earns about $345,600 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a dentist earns about $476,400 while a surgeon earns about $777,600 per year.
- Are dentist and surgeon similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.