NOC 21211 Data Scientist Canada 2026 — Salary, PR Pathways & STEM Update

NOC 21211 Data Scientist

TEER Category: 1 (occupations usually requiring a university degree — bachelor's, master's, or doctorate)

What does this occupation involve?

Data scientists use advanced analytics technologies, including machine learning and predictive modelling, to identify trends, extract insights from unstructured data sources, and provide automated recommendations. They are employed by consulting firms, universities, banks, and information technology departments across the public and private sectors.

Main duties include:

• Implementing machine learning, deep learning, and AI techniques for efficient data analysis

• Identifying trends and patterns from large, often unstructured datasets

• Building predictive models to support business and policy decisions

• Producing automated recommendations and reports for stakeholders

• Collaborating with IT and business teams to translate data into actionable strategy

Qualifications typically required:
A bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, computer science, software engineering, or a related field is usually required, often supplemented by a master's or doctoral degree focused on machine learning or data science, plus hands-on experience in programming and statistical modelling.

Salary in Canada (2026)

Toronto has been named Canada's fastest-growing AI hub (March 2026), and data science roles — particularly in AI and machine learning — are seeing some of the strongest year-over-year salary growth in the tech sector.

Job outlook 2022–2031: An estimated 29,300 new job openings are expected nationally, against approximately 32,700 new job seekers. Regional outlooks vary significantly — Ontario's outlook is rated "Limited" for 2025–2027 in most regions, with Toronto rated "Very limited," meaning competition for roles is strong despite overall sector growth.

Important 2026 update — removed from STEM category

NOC 21211 was included in the Express Entry STEM category through 2025, but was removed in the February 2026 revision. The narrowed 2026 STEM list now focuses on engineering NOCs and cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220) — data scientists are no longer eligible for the STEM category's lower CRS cut-offs.

What this means for you: Data scientists must now compete through general Express Entry all-program draws or pursue Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pathways, rather than relying on STEM category draws.

Is NOC 21211 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes, but only through:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) — general all-program draws

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — with qualifying Canadian work experience

• NOC 21211 is not currently eligible for the 2026 STEM category

Which Provincial Nominee Programs accept NOC 21211?

This occupation has a strong history of selection under Ontario's OINP Human Capital Priorities stream (before its closure on May 30, 2026). Given the STEM category change, a PNP nomination is now an even more valuable pathway for data scientists, since it adds 600 CRS points and bypasses general draw competition entirely. BC PNP's dedicated tech program may also be relevant depending on job offer.

How can Visas Avenue help?

Given the 2026 STEM category change, our CICC-registered consultants can help you identify the strongest current pathway — whether through general Express Entry, a PNP nomination, or an employer-sponsored route — as a data scientist. Call 78-18-000-777 or request a free assessment.