Comparison of resident salary and living wage in Canada: a cross-sectional study

Medical training in Canada is a long and demanding process, often accompanied by substantial financial hardships. While resident salaries tend to exceed the average Canadian income, it remains unclear whether they sufficiently address the high burden of debt and elevated living costs, particularly in urban centres such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the affordability of resident salaries across postgraduate year (PGY) 1 to PGY5 training programs for 2024-25 by comparing them to living wages. Salary-to-living wage ratios were calculated for single adults; single parents with 1 child; and dual-income, 2-children households.

Results from all 17 Canadian residency programs showed that residents consistently earn a living wage for single adults and dual-income, 2-children households. Single-parent residents were unable to earn a living wage until PGY2 in Calgary and Québec, and until PGY3 in Montréal.

While most resident salaries met living wage benchmarks, some programs, including Calgary, Montréal, and Québec, fell short, forcing residents to cover the gap. Financial strain on residents persists because of high debt, limited time for cost-saving measures, and childcare costs. Residency salaries could be adjusted, with particular attention to regions with rising living expenses and family composition.