Salary for Senior-level / Expert Research Scientist in Canada during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Research Scientist salary lies between USD 96,643 and USD 158,000 in Canada. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Research Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Research Scientist job listings are Research, Machine Learning and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Research | 750 jobs Machine Learning | 621 jobs Python | 539 jobs Computer Science | 478 jobs Engineering | 444 jobs PhD | 441 jobs Deep Learning | 333 jobs NLP | 288 jobs PyTorch | 280 jobs LLMs | 275 jobs Architecture | 240 jobs Statistics | 225 jobs Mathematics | 219 jobs Computer Vision | 193 jobs TensorFlow | 183 jobs Generative AI | 179 jobs Physics | 172 jobs NeurIPS | 161 jobs ML models | 151 jobs ICML | 142 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Research Scientist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Research Scientist job listings are Career development, Equity / stock options and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 591 jobs Equity / stock options | 394 jobs Health care | 368 jobs Conferences | 304 jobs Salary bonus | 218 jobs Flex hours | 193 jobs Flex vacation | 163 jobs Competitive pay | 159 jobs Medical leave | 136 jobs Parental leave | 132 jobs Insurance | 129 jobs 401(k) matching | 124 jobs Startup environment | 99 jobs Wellness | 91 jobs Team events | 85 jobs Relocation support | 46 jobs Flexible spending account | 46 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 32 jobs Transparency | 22 jobs Fitness / gym | 18 jobs

Salary Composition

In Canada, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Research Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The fixed base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can be a significant part of the total compensation, especially in high-growth industries. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in major tech hubs like Toronto or Vancouver might be higher compared to other regions due to the cost of living and demand for talent.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of AI/ML that is in high demand, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as leading a research team or department, which often come with higher compensation.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI/ML and acquire new skills or certifications that can enhance your value to employers.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network within the industry to learn about higher-paying opportunities and gain insights into salary trends.
• Negotiation Skills: Improve your negotiation skills to better advocate for higher pay during job offers or performance reviews.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level or Expert Research Scientist positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or Mathematics. However, a Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles focused on research and development. A strong academic background with a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data analysis is essential. Publications in reputable journals or conferences can also enhance your profile.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can be beneficial in demonstrating expertise and commitment to the field. Some common and respected certifications include:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

These certifications can help validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level or Expert Research Scientist role requires at least 5-10 years of experience in AI/ML or related fields. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience in leading projects, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to significant research or product development is also highly valued.

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