Median annual salary: $127,878 · Range: $79,373 – $194,022 · 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.
Machine learning engineers build and productionize ML models, bridging data science and software engineering. Roles span NLP, computer vision, and recommender systems. Canada's AI clusters in Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton drive above-average demand.
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) | $60,000 | $105,000 | $175,000 | |
| Mid-Level (3–6 years) | $75,000 | $131,000 | $213,000 | |
| Senior (7–12 years) | $87,000 | $153,000 | $252,000 | |
| Expert / Executive (12+ years) | $99,000 | $182,000 | $310,000 |
Machine learning engineers in Vancouver command some of the highest software compensation in Canada, with demand anchored by AI labs, fintech model-deployment teams, and health-data research groups.
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 Machine Learning Engineer in Vancouver, BC is approximately $127,878. The typical range runs from $79,373 at the 25th percentile to $194,022 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 Machine Learning Engineer is approximately $120,640/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 Machine Learning Engineer salary of $127,878/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 Machine Learning Engineers include technology and film & vfx, where competing offers are the strongest leverage. Always negotiate total compensation, not just base salary.
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