AI Engineer vs Data Engineer salary
In Canada, a data engineer earns about 38% more than a ai engineer — $170,841 vs $124,248 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CAD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Data Engineer$170,841/yr
- Monthly
- $14,260
- Hourly
- $82
- Range
- $109,352–$246,025
- 10-yr outlook
- +30%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | AI Engineer | Data Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $73,914 | $109,352 |
| 25th | $99,116 | $140,062 |
| Median | $124,248 | $170,841 |
| 75th | $155,028 | $208,398 |
| Senior (90th) | $185,737 | $246,025 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a ai engineer or data engineer earn more in Canada?
- A data engineer earns more, at about $242,000 per year vs $176,000 for a ai engineer — roughly 38% ($66,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A ai engineer typically earns $104,700–$263,100, while a data engineer earns $154,900–$348,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a ai engineer averages about $14,700 and a data engineer about $20,200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a ai engineer earns about $104,700 while a data engineer earns about $154,900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a ai engineer earns about $263,100 while a data engineer earns about $348,500 per year.
- Are ai engineer and data engineer similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.