SE Salary 2026: $68,264–$176,445 — Scientific Research (Government of Canada)
Effective Date: 2025-10-01 · Verified 2026-04-26
SE rates of pay for all SE (Scientific Research) levels in the Canadian federal public service, 2026. Salaries range from $68,264 to $176,445 across 7 levels. Category: Science & Policy. Source: Treasury Board collective agreements.
| Level | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE-REM-1 | $111,725 ~$76K net | $116,052 ~$79K net | $120,374 ~$81K net | $124,696 ~$84K net | $129,016 ~$86K net | $133,345 ~$88K net | $137,660 ~$90K net | $141,985 ~$93K net | $146,309 ~$95K net | — |
| SE-REM-2 | $128,830 ~$86K net | $133,195 ~$88K net | $137,567 ~$90K net | $141,939 ~$93K net | $146,309 ~$95K net | $150,675 ~$97K net | $155,042 ~$99K net | $159,411 ~$101K net | $163,780 ~$104K net | — |
| SE-RES-1 | $68,264 ~$49K net | $71,854 ~$51K net | $75,441 ~$53K net | $79,039 ~$56K net | $82,626 ~$58K net | $86,209 ~$60K net | $89,807 ~$62K net | $92,503 ~$64K net | — | — |
| SE-RES-2 | $84,758 ~$59K net | $90,039 ~$62K net | $95,312 ~$66K net | $100,590 ~$69K net | $105,873 ~$72K net | $111,140 ~$76K net | $116,421 ~$79K net | $121,703 ~$82K net | $126,967 ~$85K net | $130,775 ~$87K net |
| SE-RES-3 | $107,117 ~$73K net | $111,343 ~$76K net | $115,571 ~$78K net | $119,795 ~$81K net | $124,023 ~$83K net | $128,257 ~$86K net | $132,483 ~$88K net | $136,712 ~$90K net | $140,939 ~$92K net | $145,166 ~$94K net |
| SE-RES-4 | $128,281 ~$86K net | $132,978 ~$88K net | $137,669 ~$90K net | $142,361 ~$93K net | $147,061 ~$95K net | $151,745 ~$98K net | $156,439 ~$100K net | $161,136 ~$102K net | — | — |
| SE-RES-5 | $140,460 ~$92K net | $145,600 ~$94K net | $150,743 ~$97K net | $155,879 ~$100K net | $161,022 ~$102K net | $166,160 ~$105K net | $171,306 ~$107K net | $176,445 ~$110K net | — | — |
Net estimates assume Ontario, no dependents, PSPP Group 2 (post-2013 hire). Use the calculator for your full situation including province, marital status, RRSP, union dues, and pension group.
Select a level for full step breakdown
SE-REM-1
$111,725 – $146,309
$4,297 – $5,627 biweekly (before deductions)
Rates effective from 2025-10-01 · Last verified 2026-04-26 · methodology
SE-REM-1 pay raise history (rates from previous collective agreements)
| Effective Date | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-01 | $111,725 | $116,052 | $120,374 | $124,696 | $129,016 | $133,345 | $137,660 | $141,985 | $146,309 |
| 2024-10-01 | $109,534 | $113,776 | $118,014 | $122,251 | $126,486 | $130,730 | $134,961 | $139,201 | $143,440 |
| 2023-10-01 | $107,119 | $111,267 | $115,412 | $119,555 | $123,697 | $127,847 | $131,984 | $136,131 | $140,276 |
| 2022-10-01 | $103,482 | $107,488 | $111,493 | $115,495 | $119,497 | $123,506 | $127,502 | $131,509 | $135,513 |
| 2021-10-01 | $98,748 | $102,571 | $106,393 | $110,212 | $114,031 | $117,856 | $121,670 | $125,493 | $129,314 |
SE – Scientific Research
$68,264 – $176,445
$2,626 – $6,786 biweekly (before deductions)
7 levels · Salary data from Treasury Board collective agreements
Rates effective from 2025-10-01 · Last verified 2026-04-26 · methodology
About the SE Classification
The SE (Scientific Research) group covers research scientists working at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Defence Research and Development Canada, and other federal research organizations. SE employees conduct fundamental and applied scientific research across disciplines including physics, materials science, information technology, aerospace engineering, and biotechnology. NRC is the largest employer, operating research centres across Canada focused on industrial research and innovation support.
SE-REM (Research Scientist) and SE-RES (Research Officer) are the two main sub-groups. SE-RES covers the primary research positions from entry-level to senior scientist. SE-REM covers research management positions. The SE scale spans a wide range reflecting the diversity of scientific careers — from early-career researchers to internationally recognized scientists leading major research programs. PhD degrees are the standard qualification for SE research positions.
The SE group is represented by PIPSC. Federal research positions at NRC and DRDC offer stable long-term research careers that academic positions increasingly cannot guarantee. SE scientists have access to world-class laboratory facilities, collaborate with international research partners, and work on projects ranging from quantum computing to advanced materials to autonomous systems. While SE salaries are below what industry pays for equivalent scientific expertise, the combination of research freedom, facilities, pension, and job security makes federal research an attractive career path for scientists who prioritize discovery over maximizing income.
SE Tools and Related Resources
SE net pay after federal + provincial tax, CPP, EI, PSPP
Compare with other classificationsSide-by-side SE vs AS, EC, IT, FI, PM
SE raise history vs CPICumulative raise vs Statistics Canada inflation
Other Science & Policy classifications
SE salary — frequently asked questions
What is the SE salary range?
The SE (Scientific Research) salary range is $68,264 to $176,445 per year as of 2025-10-01, across 7 levels (SE-REM-1, SE-REM-2, SE-RES-1, SE-RES-2, SE-RES-3, SE-RES-4, SE-RES-5). Rates are sourced from publicly published collective agreements.
What does SE stand for in the Government of Canada?
SE is the Treasury Board classification code for Scientific Research positions in the Government of Canada. It covers 7 levels (SE-REM-1, SE-REM-2, SE-RES-1, SE-RES-2, SE-RES-3, SE-RES-4, SE-RES-5) reflecting different levels of responsibility and seniority.
How much does a SE-REM-1 make?
A SE-REM-1 earns $111,725 (Step 1) to $146,309 (Step 9) per year as of 2025-10-01.
How much does a SE-REM-2 make?
A SE-REM-2 earns $128,830 (Step 1) to $163,780 (Step 9) per year as of 2025-10-01.
How much does a SE-RES-1 make?
A SE-RES-1 earns $68,264 (Step 1) to $92,503 (Step 8) per year as of 2025-10-01.
How much does a SE-RES-2 make?
A SE-RES-2 earns $84,758 (Step 1) to $130,775 (Step 10) per year as of 2025-10-01.
How much does a SE-RES-3 make?
A SE-RES-3 earns $107,117 (Step 1) to $145,166 (Step 10) per year as of 2025-10-01.
How much does a SE-RES-4 make?
A SE-RES-4 earns $128,281 (Step 1) to $161,136 (Step 8) per year as of 2025-10-01.
How much does a SE-RES-5 make?
A SE-RES-5 earns $140,460 (Step 1) to $176,445 (Step 8) per year as of 2025-10-01. SE-RES-5 is the senior-most level in the SE group.
When was the SE pay scale last updated?
The current SE pay scale on FedPay.ca is effective 2025-10-01, with a total of 62 pay steps across 7 levels. Data is verified against Treasury Board collective agreements regularly.
What is the SE take-home pay after taxes?
SE take-home pay depends on your level, step, province, and pension group. Use the FedPay.ca take-home pay calculator at fedpay.ca/take-home to see your net pay after federal tax, provincial tax, CPP, EI, and Public Service Pension Plan contributions for any SE level and step.