Machine Learning Engineer
Salary in Montréal
CA$58K–CA$195K across all experience levels. Updated 2025.
QC, Canada
Senior ML Engineer · Median
CA$125K
Base salary · 5–8 years experience
Total comp median: CA$194K
Salary by experience level — Montréal
Montréal is a global AI research hub (Mila, Element AI, Google Brain) and has a thriving gaming industry (Ubisoft, EA, Warner Bros). Lower salaries than Toronto/Vancouver, but significantly lower cost of living and a strong AI/ML talent pipeline.
CA$70K
median base salary
CA$96K
median base salary
CA$125K
median base salary
CA$163K
median base salary
| Level | Experience | 25th %ile | Median | 75th %ile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0–2 yrs | CA$58K | CA$70K | CA$82K |
| Mid Level | 3–5 yrs | CA$81K | CA$96K | CA$113K |
| Senior | 5–8 yrs | CA$104K | CA$125K | CA$149K |
| Staff / Principal | 8+ yrs | CA$134K | CA$163K | CA$195K |
Base salary in CAD. Data reflects 2025 compensation benchmarks from Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and Zari platform data.
Senior ML Engineer · Total Compensation
CA$194K
Median total comp (base + equity + bonus)
Total comp range
Negotiation opportunity
CA$45K
Gap between 25th and 75th percentile for senior ML Engineer in Montréal
Most candidates who don't negotiate land at the 25th percentile. Strong negotiation moves you toward the 75th — a difference of CA$45K per year.
How to negotiate a Machine Learning Engineer offer in Montréal
The difference between the 25th and 75th percentile is CA$45K/year — and it comes down to this conversation.
Anchor above the median
Open at CA$149K — the 75th percentile. This gives you room to "meet in the middle" at or above the median. Never give a range; ranges get taken at the low end.
Use competing offers as leverage
A competing offer — even from a less preferred employer — is the single most powerful negotiating tool in Montréal. Get at least one before negotiating.
Negotiate total comp, not just base
Base salary is often the hardest component to move. Signing bonus and equity are frequently more flexible. In Montréal, a CA$15K signing bonus has the same year-1 value.
Never accept on the call
Ask for the offer in writing and follow up in 24–48 hours. This creates space to counter without pressure. No legitimate employer rescinds an offer because a candidate asked for review time.