AI Engineer Salary in Toronto, Canada
Toronto is North America's second-largest tech hub. Median total comp: CA$138K.
Big tech companies Meta, Pinterest, and Uber pay CA$290K-CA$400K+.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
You're Considering AI Engineering in Toronto.
What Should You Expect to Earn?
Toronto has a growing AI scene with proximity to US markets, but Canadian salaries are often compared unfavorably to US rates.
The AI talent pool in Toronto is deep (Geoff Hinton's legacy), creating both opportunity and competition.
You need to understand how Toronto salaries compare to US opportunities, especially with remote work options.
Here's What AI Engineers Actually Earn in Toronto
The AI Career Accelerator
Based on levels.fyi data verified January 2026. Toronto is the highest-paying Canadian market after Vancouver. AI engineers typically earn a 15-20% premium over general software engineers.
Entry/Junior (0-2 years)
Base: CA$80K-CA$110K | Total Comp: CA$90K-CA$130K
Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Base: CA$110K-CA$150K | Total Comp: CA$130K-CA$180K
Senior (5+ years)
Base: CA$150K-CA$200K | Total Comp: CA$180K-CA$250K+
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
Toronto AI Companies Are Hiring Now
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies pay the most for AI engineers in Toronto?
Meta leads at CA$402K average total comp, followed by Pinterest (CA$310K) and Uber (CA$291K). Google, Amazon, and Shopify typically pay CA$150K-CA$220K for senior AI engineers. Toronto also hosts AI research labs from Google Brain, Meta FAIR, and Samsung with research-focused compensation.
How does Toronto compare to Vancouver for AI salaries?
Vancouver pays slightly higher median (CA$171K vs CA$138K), partly due to smaller sample size and presence of certain high-paying companies. Toronto has more opportunities and a larger AI ecosystem. Both cities have similar cost of living for tech workers. Toronto wins for quantity of roles; Vancouver may win for specific company offers.
How do Toronto AI engineer salaries compare to US salaries?
Toronto salaries are typically 35-50% lower than comparable US roles in USD terms. A senior AI engineer earning $250K in SF might earn CA$180K-CA$220K in Toronto (roughly $130K-$160K USD). However, Canadian healthcare is universal, and Toronto's lower cost of living (vs SF/NYC) partially offsets the gap.
Can Toronto-based AI engineers work remotely for US companies?
Yes, many Toronto AI engineers work for US companies remotely. Typical arrangements pay 70-85% of US rates in USD. Some US companies maintain Canadian subsidiaries for easier hiring. Be aware of tax implications - you'll pay Canadian taxes on worldwide income. This can be an excellent middle ground between US pay and Canadian quality of life.
What's the AI research scene like in Toronto?
Toronto is a global AI research hub thanks to Geoffrey Hinton's pioneering work at University of Toronto. The Vector Institute attracts top talent. Google DeepMind, Meta FAIR, Samsung, and LG have research labs in Toronto. This research density creates spillover opportunities for applied AI engineering roles at CA$130K-CA$200K+.
What immigration options exist for AI engineers moving to Toronto?
Canada's Global Talent Stream processes work permits in 2 weeks for AI engineers (Category B). Express Entry is the fastest path to permanent residency for skilled workers. Canadian tech immigration is faster and more predictable than US H-1B lottery. Many AI engineers use Toronto as a stepping stone to Canadian PR or eventual US transfer.
Do I need prior AI experience?
Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
How much time do I need to commit?
Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
How is this different from online courses?
Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available