MS Data Science Salary in Canada 2026 — Jobs & Pay for Indian Graduates
MS Data Science salary in Canada 2026 — average pay by role and city, top employers, PGWP work rights, and PR pathway for Indian graduates.
Updated: 2026-04-01
Quick Answer
MS Data Science graduates in Canada earn CAD 70,000–100,000 in their first role. Canada's tech sector is growing rapidly in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal — and Data Science is among the most in-demand occupations for Express Entry PR.
Key Highlights
- Data Scientist: CAD 80,000–100,000/year (Toronto / Vancouver tech sector)
- Machine Learning Engineer: CAD 90,000–115,000/year at Canadian tech firms (Shopify, Wealthsimple, Thomson Reuters)
- Data Analyst: CAD 60,000–80,000/year — more abundant; good entry into Canadian DS career
- AI Research Scientist: CAD 100,000–130,000 at Vector Institute affiliates, DeepMind Canada, Microsoft Research Montreal
- City comparison: Toronto = highest salaries; Vancouver = 5–10% lower; Montreal = 10–15% lower but lower cost of living
MS Data Science Starting Salary in Canada — By Role (2026)
Median first-year compensation for DS graduates:
- Data Scientist: CAD 80,000–100,000/year (Toronto / Vancouver tech sector)
- Machine Learning Engineer: CAD 90,000–115,000/year at Canadian tech firms (Shopify, Wealthsimple, Thomson Reuters)
- Data Analyst: CAD 60,000–80,000/year — more abundant; good entry into Canadian DS career
- AI Research Scientist: CAD 100,000–130,000 at Vector Institute affiliates, DeepMind Canada, Microsoft Research Montreal
- City comparison: Toronto = highest salaries; Vancouver = 5–10% lower; Montreal = 10–15% lower but lower cost of living
PGWP, Express Entry, and PR Pathway for DS Graduates
Post-study work and immigration pathway:
- PGWP: Open work permit valid for duration of study (up to 3 years) — work for any Canadian employer
- Express Entry CEC: 1 year Canadian NOC 2172 (Data Scientist / ML Engineer) work experience makes you eligible for CEC draws
- CRS Score boost: Canadian education, Canadian work experience, CLB 9 IELTS together give ~460–490 CRS — competitive for most rounds
- NOC 2172 Data Scientist: Priority occupation in Ontario, BC, and Alberta PNP streams — higher chance of provincial nomination
- Timeline: Graduate → PGWP → 1 year work → Express Entry → PR in 6 months → 3 years → Canadian citizenship
Free Consultation
Get Personalised Guidance for Your Profile
Our counsellors specialise in your target country and course. Get a free profile evaluation and step-by-step action plan.
RS
Written & reviewed by
Rahul SharmaHead of Admissions — USA & Canada Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
CAD 75,000–95,000 for Data Scientist/ML Engineer roles in Toronto and Vancouver. Montreal pays 10–15% less but has lower cost of living. Total compensation including benefits and bonuses typically ranges CAD 85,000–110,000 at mid-size tech companies.
Excellent — Data Scientists (NOC 2172) qualify for Express Entry CEC after 1 year of Canadian work experience. The occupation is in high demand across all provinces with strong PNP streams. CRS scores required are typically 450–490 — achievable with Canadian education + work + IELTS 8.0.
Full Guide
Study in Canada — Complete Guide
What Our Students Say
AK
Ananya Krishnan
MS Computer Science
“I had a 7.2 CGPA and was rejected by 3 universities before EduVed helped me rebuild my profile. Rahul identified USC as my best-fit and the SOP team crafted a story around my internship experience. Visa approved in the first attempt.”
University of Southern CaliforniaUSA✓ F-1 Visa Approved + $8,000 Merit Scholarship
RP
Rohan Patel
MBA
“Priya knew exactly what Edinburgh looks for in Indian applicants. She reviewed my GMAT strategy, reworked my personal statement, and coached me for the interview. Got in as a scholarship finalist. EduVed is worth every rupee.”
University of EdinburghUK✓ UK Student Visa Approved — Full Scholarship Finalist
SI
Sneha Iyer
MSc Data Science
“I was worried my 2-year gap would hurt my application. Arjun helped me frame it honestly and positively — I'm now working as a data analyst in Toronto on my PGWP. EduVed didn't just get me admitted, they got me started.”
University of TorontoCanada✓ Study Permit Approved — Graduated & Working in Canada
VN
Vikram Nair
MBBS
“Failed NEET twice. EduVed showed me the Georgia MBBS option — NMC-recognised, affordable, and genuinely good quality. I'm currently in 3rd year and back on track for my dream of becoming a doctor.”
Tbilisi State Medical UniversityGeorgia✓ NMC-Recognised Admission — Currently in 3rd Year
Related Resources
Fall 2026 Intake Closing Fast
Get Personalised Guidance
Our advisors specialise in your target country and course. Get a free profile evaluation and a step-by-step action plan.
🎓 5,000+ Students Placed✅ 95% Visa Success Rate🆓 Free, No-Pressure Guidance