As organisations across the globe embrace artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation, Canada has emerged as a hub for machine learning talent.
The demand for Machine Learning Engineers in Canada is booming—and for good reason.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced software developer looking to upskill, or an international talent seeking job opportunities in Canada, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ML engineer jobs in Canada in 2025.
Why Choose Canada for Machine Learning Careers?
- Global AI Hubs: Cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are home to world-class AI institutions and startups.
- Immigration-Friendly Policies: Canada welcomes tech professionals through various immigration programs such as the Global Talent Stream.
What Does a Machine Learning Engineer Do?
A Machine Learning Engineer is a tech professional who designs, builds, and deploys machine learning models that allow computers to perform tasks without explicit instructions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Designing machine learning algorithms
- Building data pipelines and preprocessing data
- Training and testing models
- Deploying models into production environments
- Collaborating with data scientists and software engineers
- Improving model performance through tuning and retraining
Skills Required to Succeed in 2025
As we step into the future, employers are seeking ML engineers who are not only technically proficient but also adaptable and forward-thinking. Here’s a breakdown of essential skills:
1. Programming Languages
- Python (most commonly used)
- R, Java, Scala, and C++
2. Machine Learning Frameworks
- TensorFlow
- PyTorch
- Scikit-learn
- Keras
- XGBoost
3. Mathematics and Statistics
- Linear Algebra
- Probability & Statistics
- Optimization Techniques
4. Data Engineering
- SQL and NoSQL databases
- Hadoop, Spark
- ETL processes
5. Cloud Platforms
- AWS (Amazon SageMaker)
- Google Cloud AI Platform
- Microsoft Azure ML Studio
6. Soft Skills
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Team collaboration
- Critical thinking
Top Cities in Canada Hiring ML Engineers
1. Toronto, Ontario
- Home to the Vector Institute and big tech offices (Google, Amazon, Meta)
- High demand for AI professionals
2. Montreal, Quebec
- Known for AI research and academic partnerships
- Affordable living compared to other major cities
3. Vancouver, British Columbia
- Strong tech startup ecosystem
- Scenic beauty and work-life balance
4. Ottawa, Ontario
- Government-funded AI research
- Growing tech scene
5. Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta
- Emerging AI hubs with a focus on clean tech and energy
Industries Hiring Machine Learning Engineers
- Healthcare: Predictive analytics, drug discovery, personalised medicine
- Finance: Fraud detection, risk modelling, algorithmic trading
- Retail and E-commerce: Recommendation engines, customer behaviour analysis
- Manufacturing: Predictive maintenance, automation
- Transportation and Logistics: Route optimisation, self-driving tech
- Gaming and Entertainment: Real-time analytics, personalised content
- Education: Adaptive learning platforms, grading automation
Salary Expectations in 2025
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Mid-Level (3-5 years) | $95,000 – $125,000 |
| Senior-Level (5+ years) | $125,000 – $160,000 |
| Specialists/Lead ML Engineers | $160,000+ |
Tip: Professionals with cloud skills and domain-specific experience (e.g., finance, healthcare) tend to earn higher salaries.
Top Employers and Startups
Major Employers
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft
- IBM
- Shopify
- NVIDIA
- Thomson Reuters
Prominent Canadian Startups
- Element AI (Montreal)
- Layer 6 AI (Toronto)
- Ada Support (Toronto)
- MindBridge AI (Ottawa)
- DarwinAI (Waterloo)
Visa and Immigration Options for International Candidates
1. Global Talent Stream (GTS)
- Fast-tracked work permit processing (as little as 2 weeks)
- Targeted at in-demand occupations like ML engineers
2. Express Entry System
- Points-based permanent residency system
- Higher points for tech jobs and Canadian work experience
3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Provinces nominate skilled workers based on local demand
- Offers easier PR pathways for tech roles
How to Land a Machine Learning Engineer Job in Canada
Step 1: Build a Strong Portfolio
- Create and showcase ML projects on GitHub
- Contribute to open-source initiatives
- Build a personal blog or website
Step 2: Optimize Your Resume
- Tailor each application
- Highlight technical and soft skills
- Use quantifiable results
Step 3: Apply Strategically
- Use job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and AngelList
- Attend virtual and local tech career fairs
- Network on platforms like GitHub and Kaggle
Step 4: Prepare for Interviews
- Review ML concepts and algorithms
- Practice coding challenges (LeetCode, HackerRank)
- Prepare for system design and behavioral interviews
Future Trends in Machine Learning Careers
Looking ahead, the field of ML will continue to evolve rapidly. Here are future trends that ML engineers in Canada should be aware of:
1. Generative AI
- Tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney are pushing the envelope
- Engineers with generative model experience will be in high demand
2. Edge AI
- Running ML models on devices (IoT, mobile) instead of cloud
- Requires knowledge of model compression and optimization
3. Explainable AI (XAI)
- Companies want models that are not just accurate but interpretable
- Skills in SHAP, LIME, and model transparency are becoming essential
4. AI Ethics and Fairness
- Awareness of bias in data and models is crucial
- Companies seek ML engineers who understand ethical implications
Final Thoughts
Machine learning is no longer just a buzzword—it’s the future. And Canada is one of the best places to be if you’re pursuing a career in this field.
With the right skills, strategy, and determination, you can become a successful Machine Learning Engineer in Canada in 2025.
Whether you’re a Canadian resident or planning to move here, start taking action today—build your skills, apply for jobs, and join the AI revolution.