AI Jobs in Montreal
Montreal is one of the most important AI research cities in the world, with an influence that far exceeds what its modest population might suggest. The city's AI prominence traces directly to Yoshua Bengio, a Turing Award recipient and professor at the Universite de Montreal, who founded Mila (the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute). Mila is the world's largest academic AI research lab, with over 1,000 researchers, and its work on deep learning, generative models, and AI safety has had global impact.
With around 9 active AI job listings on HiredinAI, Montreal offers a research-intensive job market that attracts professionals from around the world. The city's AI ecosystem is unusually concentrated around fundamental research. Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Samsung all maintain AI research labs in Montreal, specifically to tap into the talent pipeline from Mila and local universities. Element AI (acquired by ServiceNow) was one of the first major AI startups to emerge from the Montreal ecosystem, and newer companies continue to form around university spinouts. The Quebec government provides generous tax credits for AI research and development, which helps companies offset the costs of maintaining research teams. This policy environment, combined with Montreal's significantly lower cost of living compared to Toronto or US cities, makes the city financially attractive for both employers and employees. Montreal's bilingual character (French and English), European-influenced culture, and renowned food scene create a living environment that is distinct from any other major AI hub. International researchers often find the city especially welcoming, with a well-established tradition of hosting scholars and scientists from diverse backgrounds.
AI Salaries in Montreal
Montreal AI salaries range from 85,000 to 170,000 CAD for senior roles. The city's low cost of living relative to other major AI hubs makes these salaries go further than the numbers alone suggest.
View full AI salary guidearrow_forwardFrequently Asked Questions
How many AI jobs are in Montreal?
Montreal currently has around 9 active AI job listings on HiredinAI. The city's AI market is research-heavy, with many positions available through Mila and university lab affiliations. Check our /categories page for current commercial postings.
What is the average AI salary in Montreal?
Senior AI professionals in Montreal earn between 85,000 and 170,000 CAD annually. While lower in nominal terms than Toronto or US markets, Montreal's cost of living is considerably lower, providing strong purchasing power. See our /salaries page for details.
Which companies hire AI talent in Montreal?
Mila (Quebec AI Institute), Google, Meta, Microsoft Research, Samsung AI, and ServiceNow are prominent AI employers in Montreal. The city's ecosystem is distinguished by its concentration of fundamental research positions alongside applied roles.
Do I need to speak French for AI jobs in Montreal?
Most AI research and engineering roles at international companies and labs in Montreal operate in English. However, Quebec language laws require French in certain business contexts, and day-to-day life in Montreal is easier with at least conversational French. Many professionals learn French after arriving.
What makes Montreal different from Toronto for AI careers?
Montreal is more research-focused, centered around Mila and academic labs, while Toronto has a broader mix of research and commercial AI roles. Montreal is significantly more affordable and has a stronger French-speaking culture. Toronto offers higher salaries and a larger overall job market.