Median annual salary: $117,021 · Range: $72,634 – $177,549 · Source: Government of Canada Job Bank (NOC 21211)
Annual figures assume 2,080 paid hours/year (40 hrs × 52 wks). Regional multiplier 0.97× 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 Victoria, BC:
| Experience | Low | Median | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $54,000 | $97,000 | $160,000 | |
| Mid-Level (3–6 years) | $69,000 | $120,000 | $195,000 | |
| Senior (7–12 years) | $80,000 | $140,000 | $231,000 | |
| Expert / Executive (12+ years) | $91,000 | $167,000 | $284,000 |
Machine learning engineers in Victoria command some of the highest software compensation in Canada, with demand anchored by AI labs, fintech model-deployment teams, and health-data research groups.
Victoria is home to the B.C. provincial government and a growing tech sector of remote-first companies and federal departments. Salaries for government and tech roles are competitive with Vancouver, though the overall market is smaller. Quality of life is high and competition for skilled workers is intense given a constrained labour pool on the island.
Top hiring sectors:
Notable employers: Province of BC (Digital Government), BC Ferries IT, University of Victoria, Hummingbird Networks, Pretio Interactive
Based on Government of Canada Job Bank data (NOC 21211, 2024), the median annual salary for a Machine Learning Engineer in Victoria, BC is approximately $117,021. The typical range runs from $72,634 at the 25th percentile to $177,549 at the 75th percentile, depending on experience, employer size, and specialization.
Below the national average. Victoria, BC's regional wage multiplier is 0.97× 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 Victoria, BC, the dominant employers for this role are in provincial government and technology, 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 $117,021/yr places you at the 50th percentile for this occupation in Victoria, 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 Victoria, BC, the top sectors hiring Machine Learning Engineers include provincial government and technology, where competing offers are the strongest leverage. Always negotiate total compensation, not just base salary.
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