Toronto offers distinct opportunities for Data Scientist roles, from established enterprises to fast-growing startups. Whether you're job hunting, benchmarking your current pay, or preparing for a promotion conversation, this salary guide provides the data-driven insights you need.
The Data Scientist role in Toronto sits at the intersection of several trends: increasing automation, growing data complexity, and evolving user expectations. These forces shape not just what the role looks like, but how it's compensated. Professionals who align their skills with these trends consistently earn at the higher end of the salary range.
Company review platforms provide useful—if imperfect—salary data for Data Scientist roles in Toronto. Sites like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Blind aggregate self-reported compensation data that, while sometimes skewed toward higher earners, offers directional insights into what specific companies pay for this role.
The distinction between IC (Individual Contributor) and management tracks for Data Scientist professionals affects long-term compensation trajectories. In Toronto's top companies, staff-level ICs can earn $200K+ while managing zero reports, making the IC path a viable high-earning alternative to people management.
Relocation packages for Data Scientist roles relocating to Toronto can add $10,000-$50,000+ in one-time value. These typically include moving expenses, temporary housing, signing bonuses, and sometimes cost-of-living adjustments. Factor these into your total first-year compensation when comparing offers.
The future outlook for Data Scientist compensation in Toronto remains strong, particularly for professionals who embrace continuous learning. As technology evolves and creates new specializations, those who stay current will find themselves in high-demand positions where salary growth outpaces inflation by a significant margin.
What is the average Data Scientist salary in Toronto in 2026?
The median Data Scientist salary in Toronto is $88,000 per year as of 2026. Salaries range from $68,000 at the 25th percentile (entry-level) to $148,000 at the 90th percentile (highly experienced). The mid-range (50th-75th percentile) falls between $88,000 and $115,000, which is typical for professionals with 3-7 years of experience.
How much does a senior Data Scientist earn in Toronto?
Senior Data Scientist professionals (8+ years of experience) in Toronto typically earn between $115,000 and $170,200 per year in total compensation. At top-tier companies, total compensation including equity and bonuses can push significantly higher. The jump from mid-level to senior typically represents a 30-50% salary increase in Toronto's market.
What skills increase Data Scientist pay in Toronto?
The highest-paying skills for Data Scientist roles in Toronto currently include cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), AI/ML and generative AI, system design and architecture, and Kubernetes and containerization. Professionals with these in-demand specializations typically earn 15-30% more than generalists. Additionally, strong communication skills, leadership experience, and cross-functional expertise consistently command premium compensation across all experience levels.
Is Toronto a good city for Data Scientist professionals in 2026?
Toronto is a strong tech market with growing demand for skilled professionals, scoring 7 out of 10 for job market strength. Data Scientist salaries ($88,000 median) exceed the city's overall median salary ($58,000), indicating strong demand for this role. The cost of living index is 75 (NYC = 100), offering a reasonable balance between earnings and expenses.
How does the Data Scientist salary in Toronto compare to other cities?
Data Scientist median salaries vary significantly across global cities. Compared to Toronto ($88,000), here's how other markets stack up: New York ($140,000, +59%); London ($72,000, -18%); San Francisco ($162,000, +84%). Remember that raw salary differences don't account for cost of living and taxes -- Toronto's purchasing power index of 82 (NYC = 100) provides important context for these comparisons.
What is the career path for a Data Scientist in Toronto?
The typical Data Scientist career progression in Toronto follows: Junior/Associate (0-2 yrs) → Mid-level (3-5 yrs) → Senior (5-8 yrs) → Staff/Principal (8+ yrs) → Engineering Manager/Director. Each level typically brings a 20-40% salary increase. In Toronto's market, professionals can expect to reach senior level within 5-8 years with strong performance, and the choice between individual contributor and management tracks usually occurs around the senior level.
Last updated: 2026-02-19 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.
