Median annual salary: $121,264 · Range: $74,963 – $180,794 · Source: Government of Canada Job Bank (NOC 21211)
Annual figures assume 2,080 paid hours/year (40 hrs × 52 wks). Regional multiplier 1.06× applied to national Job Bank wage data.
Data scientists extract insights from complex datasets using statistical modelling, machine learning, and visualization. Canadian demand is driven by banking, telecom, retail, and the public sector. Python, R, and SQL proficiency are baseline requirements.
Select an experience level for a detailed breakdown with negotiation advice specific to Vancouver, BC:
| Experience | Low | Median | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $56,000 | $100,000 | $163,000 | |
| Mid-Level (3–6 years) | $71,000 | $124,000 | $199,000 | |
| Senior (7–12 years) | $82,000 | $146,000 | $235,000 | |
| Expert / Executive (12+ years) | $94,000 | $173,000 | $289,000 |
Data scientists in Vancouver are concentrated in technology firms and financial institutions where machine-learning models are embedded in core products, with compensation benchmarked against US market rates for top talent.
Vancouver is Canada's gateway to the Pacific, with a growing tech sector, strong film production industry, and significant gaming and VFX studios. Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Hootsuite have sizeable offices here. The city commands a cost-of-living premium similar to Toronto, meaning salaries track national averages closely — though remote-work compression is softening tech compensation relative to pre-2022 peaks.
Top hiring sectors:
Notable employers: Amazon Canada, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Sony Interactive, Hootsuite, Lululemon Digital, Kabam
Based on Government of Canada Job Bank data (NOC 21211, 2024), the median annual salary for a Data Scientist in Vancouver, BC is approximately $121,264. The typical range runs from $74,963 at the 25th percentile to $180,794 at the 75th percentile, depending on experience, employer size, and specialization.
Above the national average. Vancouver, BC's regional wage multiplier is 1.06× the national benchmark for this occupation. The national median for Data Scientist is approximately $114,400/yr before regional adjustment.
The primary drivers are years of experience, employer size, industry sector, and professional certifications or designations. In Vancouver, BC, the dominant employers for this role are in technology and film & vfx, which set the market rate locally. Specialization and a track record of measurable outcomes are the fastest paths to the upper end of the range.
The median Data Scientist salary of $121,264/yr places you at the 50th percentile for this occupation in Vancouver, BC. Given British Columbia's cost of living, this provides a comfortable lifestyle for individuals and a reasonable foundation for a household. Use the JobCoach AI Salary Benchmarker to compare your specific situation against current market data.
Come prepared with market data (this guide plus at least two additional sources), a concise summary of your impact in previous roles, and a specific target number — not a range. In Vancouver, BC, the top sectors hiring Data Scientists include technology and film & vfx, where competing offers are the strongest leverage. Always negotiate total compensation, not just base salary.
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