Data scientist salaries in Canada rank among the highest in the technology sector. Data science skills are in high demand and open a wide range of career paths. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, a data scientist earns a median wage of CAD 46.15 per hour, roughly CAD 96,000 per year, with top earners exceeding CAD 145,000.
Data science and analytics master's programmes at Canadian universities are among the best in the world, and the field is one of the country's most promising. Even early in their careers, data scientists and analytics specialists earn well, and the constant need to process large volumes of business data keeps demand high. Read on to learn everything about data science pay in Canada.
- The Government of Canada Job Bank reports a median wage of CAD 46.15 per hour for data scientists, about CAD 96,000 per year, within a national range of CAD 30.00 to CAD 69.74 per hour
- Ontario pays the most at a median of CAD 47.69 per hour, and Indeed reports a national average near CAD 100,085 per year
- Wages were last updated in November 2025.
How Much Do Data Scientists Earn in Canada as Freshers?
Entry-level data scientists in Canada earn near the lower end of the national wage band, roughly CAD 62,400 per year, or about CAD 30.00 per hour, according to the Government of Canada Job Bank. Talent.com places early-career pay higher, around CAD 136,500, so fresher earnings vary widely by employer, city, and demonstrated skill set.
Early-career pay depends heavily on city, employer, and skill set. Government of Canada Job Bank data puts the entry band near CAD 30.00 per hour, while tech-heavy aggregators report higher figures. Data science remains a high-end career path, and candidates with exceptional ability are hired into senior roles quickly.
Scope of Data Science in CanadaRead →What Is the Scope of Data Science in Canada?
Data science remains one of Canada's fastest-growing technology fields. The Government of Canada Job Bank rates the outlook for data scientists as varying by province, with steady demand across banking, healthcare, retail, technology, and government. Ontario, especially the Toronto region, concentrates most roles and offers the highest regional wages in the country today.
Demand for data talent spans banking, information technology, healthcare, retail, and government. Ontario hosts the largest share of Canada's data employers, and the Toronto region reports the highest regional wages, followed by other major metros. Prospects vary by province, so location strongly influences both availability and pay.
Which Skills Are Demanded for Top Data Science Jobs?
Demanded skills for top data science jobs in Canada mirror global standards. An expert's success is proportional to the range of skills they hold, so acquiring the full toolkit the industry expects, from programming and statistics to data visualization and communication, is essential to evolve with the field and command higher pay.
Students must be skilled in the following areas, regardless of their role or responsibilities:
- Data visualization and communication: presenting and arranging data clearly using tools such as Tableau and Power BI so stakeholders can act on insights.
- Statistics and mathematics: applying tests, estimators, and calculus that underpin machine learning and data-driven business decisions.
- Computer programming: strong command of Java, Python, SQL, Hadoop, and C++, the skills Canadian employers pay the most for.
- Data modelling and analytics: building and testing models, then analysing results to predict outcomes and safeguard insight quality.
- Communication: explaining complex analysis, visualizations, and growth forecasts clearly to non-technical teams.
- Software engineering: engineering skills that help handle very large datasets and command premium pay.
Which Are the Best Data Scientist Recruiters in Canada?
Canada's labour market hosts a diverse mix of global corporations and organisations hiring data science talent. Employers across banking, information technology, healthcare, retail, and government services compete for skilled professionals with competitive pay packages. Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary hold the largest concentrations of these data-driven employers and their open roles.
The Canadian labour market is home to a diverse spectrum of global corporations and organisations. Employers across banking, information technology, healthcare, retail, and services seek data science workers and offer competitive pay packages.
The following are some of the top sectors in Canada for data science jobs:
- Entertainment and media
- Education
- Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
- Online businesses
- Telecommunications
- Retail
- Marketing and advertising
- Government
What Is the Average Salary of a Data Scientist in Canada?
The Government of Canada Job Bank reports a median wage of CAD 46.15 per hour for data scientists, roughly CAD 96,000 per year, within a national range of CAD 30.00 to CAD 69.74 per hour. Job aggregator Indeed reports an average near CAD 100,085 annually, confirming strong and stable pay nationwide.
Salary varies by source and methodology. The Government of Canada Job Bank median is CAD 46.15 per hour, Indeed reports an average near CAD 100,085 per year, and Talent.com reports a higher average of CAD 147,500, reflecting its tech-skewed sample. The table below compares reported figures for 2026.
Compare reported data scientist pay in Canada across sources below:
| Source (2026) | Data Scientist Pay | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Government of Canada Job Bank | CAD 30.00-69.74/hour (median 46.15) | Hourly, 2023-24 reference |
| Indeed Canada | CAD 100,085/year | Average base salary |
| Talent.com | CAD 147,500/year | Average |
| Talent.com (entry-level) | CAD 136,500/year | Early career |
| Talent.com (experienced) | CAD 163,320/year | Senior |
What Are the Popular Skills for Data Scientists?
Alongside statistical computation, a data scientist must master key programming languages and strong communication skills. Acquiring trending, in-demand industry skills helps you command a larger salary package than your peers. Continuously upgrading your abilities keeps you from stagnating in this fast-evolving field and opens access to the highest-paid senior data science roles.
Along with statistical computation, a data scientist needs to understand several important programming languages and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. Acquiring trending industry skills helps you earn a larger package, and upgrading continuously keeps you competitive in an ever-evolving field.
Check out the list below of popular skills for data scientists:
- Data visualization
- Python programming
- R programming
- Hadoop platform
- SQL databases
- Machine learning and AI
- Business strategy
- Strong communication and storytelling for statistical results
- Ability to collaborate across teams
- Willingness to keep learning new concepts
How Does Data Science Salary Compare to Machine Learning Salary?
In Canada, machine learning engineers often earn more than general data scientists, though the two fields are closely linked. Machines cannot learn without data, so data science complements machine learning and both are treated as related disciplines. Data scientists earn a median near CAD 96,000, while specialised machine learning roles typically command a premium.
Data science and machine learning are indistinguishably linked; machines cannot learn without data, and data science supplies it. In Canada, specialised machine learning roles often pay a premium over general data science positions, though exact figures vary by employer and seniority.
How Does Pay Vary by Experience Level for Data Scientists?
Pay for data scientists rises steeply with experience. The Government of Canada Job Bank shows a national range from about CAD 30.00 per hour for entry-level roles to CAD 69.74 per hour at the top. Senior and lead data scientists reported on Talent.com reach roughly CAD 163,320 per year with proven expertise.
Let's look at how data scientist pay changes across provinces and experience levels, based on Government of Canada Job Bank wage data for 2026.
| Province (2026) | Low (hourly) | Median (hourly) | High (hourly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (national) | CAD 30.00 | CAD 46.15 | CAD 69.74 |
| Ontario | CAD 31.25 | CAD 47.69 | CAD 71.79 |
| Alberta | CAD 28.00 | CAD 43.27 | CAD 57.69 |