Job outlooks for Data scientists

Discover the employment prospects for your dream job across Canada, or compare different occupations.

Occupation

lead data scientist (21211)

Location

All regions across Canada

Did you know? You can visit the Open Government Portal to search through and download our Employment Outlooks data all in one place. There, you will find current and previous versions of our 3-Year Employment Outlooks reports for the periods of 2013-2015 to 2025-2027. View the dataset on the Open Government Portal.

These outlooks were updated on December 10, 2025.

Legend

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Undetermined
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Very limited
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Limited
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Good
5 out of 5 stars
Very good

  • Newfoundland and LabradorUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

  • Prince Edward IslandUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • Nova ScotiaModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about data scientists in Nova Scotia:

    • Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 33%
      • Universities (NAICS 6113): 15%
      • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 11%
      • Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 11%
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 9%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 95% compared to 82% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 5% compared to 18% for all occupations
    • 79% of data scientists work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • Less than 5% of data scientists are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 83% compared to 51% for all occupations
      • Women: 17% compared to 49% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 22% compared to 20% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 63% compared to 10% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Halifax Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Halifax region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Halifax region:

      • Approximately 160 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 37%
        • Finance, insurance and real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 28%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 14%
        • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 10%
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 9%

  • New BrunswickModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • These workers can be found across a variety of industries as their services are useful to a variety of operations. They are primarily employed in the professional, scientific and technical services industry, particularly in computer systems design firms, as well as various levels of government, financial institutions, healthcare, retail and e-commerce, and other large organisations. 
    • Ongoing developments in cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other technologies will continue to support demand for data scientists going forward. The demand for data-driven decision making across businesses and governments will also support growth in this occupation. However, artificial intelligence has automated parts of a data scientist job, particularly routine junior-level tasks such as code writing and data cleaning, which will likely shift the tasks for data scientists going forward. As a result, the availability of junior-level roles may become limited, while intermediate and senior-level roles are more in demand. 
    • Experience and up-to-date skills in programming languages such as Python, Structured Query Language (SQL), and R will have the best employment prospects. In addition, experience with data visualization tools, such as Power BI and Tableau, big data platforms (Hadoop) and cloud platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Azure, are common in job postings. 
    • Those who are willing to accept temporary or contract-based assignments may have greater employment opportunities. 

    Here are some key facts about data scientists in New Brunswick:

    • Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 37%
      • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 17%
      • Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 14%
      • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 14%
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 7%
    • 72% of data scientists work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 67% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 33% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 14% compared to 30% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
      • bachelor's degree: 34% compared to 16% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 48% compared to 7% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Fredericton–Oromocto Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Fredericton - Oromocto region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Additional information is available at the provincial level.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Fredericton - Oromocto region:

      • Approximately 60 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 48%
        • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 33%
        • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 20%

    • Moncton–Richibucto Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Moncton - Richibucto region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Additional information is available at the provincial level.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Moncton - Richibucto region:

      • Approximately 40 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 52%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 48%

    • Saint John–St. Stephen Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Saint John - St. Stephen region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Additional information is available at the provincial level.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Saint John - St. Stephen region:

      • Approximately 30 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): more than 95%

  • QuebecLimited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about data scientists in Quebec:

    • Approximately 8,300 people work in this occupation.
    • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 24%
      • Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (NAICS 52, 53): 23%
      • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 11%
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 9%
      • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 92% compared to 82% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 8% compared to 18% for all occupations
    • 73% of data scientists work all year, while 27% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • Less than 5% of data scientists are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 72% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 28% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 7% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 26% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 63% compared to 11% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Capitale-Nationale Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Capitale-Nationale region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Capitale-Nationale region:

      • Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 40%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 30%
        • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 21%
        • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 6%

    • Chaudière-Appalaches Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Chaudière - Appalaches region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Chaudière - Appalaches region:

      • Approximately 20 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 55%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 45%

    • Estrie Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Estrie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Estrie region:

      • Approximately 40 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Computer and electronic product manufacturing (NAICS 334): 53%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 47%

    • Lanaudière Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Lanaudière region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Lanaudière region:

      • Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 39%
        • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 36%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 25%

    • Laurentides Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Laurentides region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Laurentides region:

      • Approximately 60 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 69%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 31%

    • Laval Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region, for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region,:

      • Approximately 2,060 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

    • Montréal Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the census metropolitan area of Montréal:

      • Approximately 2,060 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

    • Montérégie Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Montérégie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Montérégie region:

      • Approximately 340 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 44%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 28%
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 13%

    • Outaouais Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Outaouais region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Outaouais region:

      • Approximately 160 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 65%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 15%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 14%
        • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 6%

    • Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region:

      • Approximately 30 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): more than 95%

  • OntarioLimited

    The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

    Here are some key facts about data scientists in Ontario:

    • Approximately 23,450 people work in this occupation.
    • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 27%
      • Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 20%
      • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 7%
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 7%
      • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%
    • 76% of data scientists work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • 6% of data scientists are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 70% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 30% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 5% compared to 25% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 33% compared to 24% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 56% compared to 13% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region:

      • Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 34%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 25%
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 8%
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 7%
        • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7%

    • Kingston–Pembroke Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Kingston - Pembroke region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Kingston - Pembroke region:

      • Approximately 80 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 56%
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 25%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 18%

    • Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region:

      • Approximately 1,650 people work in this occupation.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 48%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 22%
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 9%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 6%

    • London Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the London region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the London region:

      • Approximately 210 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 46%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 17%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 8%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 7%
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 6%

    • Ottawa Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Ottawa region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Ottawa region:

      • Approximately 3,200 people work in this occupation.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 47%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 24%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 9%
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 7%
        • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 5%

    • Toronto Region Very limited

      The employment outlook will be Very limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Toronto region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Toronto region:

      • Approximately 14,950 people work in this occupation.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 37%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 28%
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 9%
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 5%

    • Windsor-Sarnia Region Very limited

      The employment outlook will be Very limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Windsor - Sarnia region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Windsor - Sarnia region:

      • Approximately 90 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 51%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 28%
        • Motor vehicle, body, trailer and parts manufacturing (NAICS 3361-3363): 20%

  • ManitobaUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

    • North Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • SaskatchewanModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Demand for this occupation is driven by rapid technological advancement, the expansion of digital services, and the increasing complexity of software and systems.
    • This occupation is highly susceptible to automation, as recent research shows over 70 per cent of its associated duties and work activities could potentially be performed by automation technologies.
    • Increased private and public-sector investments in digital infrastructure, including broadband projects and AI data centers.
    • Workers in this occupation are concentrated in the Regina region where job prospects are the strongest.

    Here are some key facts about data scientists in Saskatchewan:

    • Approximately 550 people work in this occupation.
    • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 21%
      • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 10%
      • Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 10%
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 9%
      • Universities (NAICS 6113): 9%
    • 93% of data scientists work all year, while 7% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 73% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 27% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 42% compared to 18% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 45% compared to 7% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Regina–Moose Mountain Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Regina - Moose Mountain region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Regina - Moose Mountain region:

      • Approximately 120 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 32%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 17%
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 16%
        • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 13%
        • Utilities (NAICS 22): 12%

    • Saskatoon–Biggar Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Saskatoon - Biggar region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Saskatoon - Biggar region:

      • Approximately 40 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 51%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 49%

  • AlbertaModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
    • Demand for this occupation is driven by rapid technological advancement, the expansion of digital services, and the increasing complexity of software and systems.
    • Key trends for this occupation are in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.
    • Most employment opportunities will be in Calgary or Edmonton.

    Here are some key facts about data scientists in Alberta:

    • Approximately 4,150 people work in this occupation.
    • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 34%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 10%
      • Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 7%
      • Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 6%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 93% compared to 80% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 7% compared to 20% for all occupations
    • 77% of data scientists work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • 11% of data scientists are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 67% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 33% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: 7% compared to 28% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 34% compared to 21% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 52% compared to 9% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Calgary Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Calgary region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
      • Demand for this occupation is driven by rapid technological advancement, the expansion of digital services, and the increasing complexity of software and systems.
      • Key trends for this occupation are in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.
      • Most employment opportunities will be in Calgary or Edmonton.
      • Calgary is one of the fastest-growing tech talent markets in North America, accounting for 7% of Calgary's overall workforce in 2025. In the region, tech employment has jumped 61% during the period of 2021 to 2024.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Calgary region:

      • Approximately 2,040 people work in this occupation.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 43%
        • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 14%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 7%

    • Edmonton Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Edmonton region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
      • Demand for this occupation is driven by rapid technological advancement, the expansion of digital services, and the increasing complexity of software and systems.
      • Key trends for this occupation are in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.
      • Most employment opportunities will be in Calgary or Edmonton.
      • The Edmonton region offers a variety of opportunities to acquire the education and skills necessary for this occupation. 
      • Employment opportunities for workers are good in the near-term, as the region's tech sector continues to attract significant venture capital investments. 

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Edmonton region:

      • Approximately 1,850 people work in this occupation.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 37%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 15%
        • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 9%
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 8%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 7%

  • British ColumbiaModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Some analytical duties of this occupation are likely to change with adoption of digital innovations, which may enable workers to do their jobs more efficiently. 

    Examples include cloud computing to improve data management and analysis (for example forecasting, optimizing, natural language processing), and blockchain for transparent and secure digital transactions. 

    Some technology companies, particularly software engineering teams, are transforming to adapt to AI as a product feature and to replace staff as a central operational strategy.

    Here are some key facts about data scientists in British Columbia:

    • Approximately 4,400 people work in this occupation.
    • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 37%
      • Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 9%
      • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 9%
      • Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 6%
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 5%
    • 73% of data scientists work all year, while 27% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • 7% of data scientists are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 72% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 28% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 34% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 57% compared to 12% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Cariboo Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Lower Mainland–Southwest Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region:

      • Approximately 4,000 people work in this occupation.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 43%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 17%
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 12%

    • Nechako Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Vancouver Island and Coast Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for data scientists (NOC 21211) in the Vancouver Island and Coast region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about data scientists in the Vancouver Island and Coast region:

      • Approximately 160 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Data scientists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 36%
        • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 28%
        • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 25%
        • Information, cultural, arts, entertainment and recreation services (NAICS 51, 71): 8%

  • Yukon TerritoryUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • Northwest TerritoriesUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • NunavutUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

Related links

Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) - Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Labour Market Information Survey
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