Canadian Salaries are Up, Talent is Scarce

The 2024 Canadian E-Discovery Salary Report Reveals Growing Opportunities

Every year, we wonder what’s next for e-discovery careers in Canada—and the 2024 ACEDS Canadian E-Discovery Salary Report delivers the answers. Conducted by ACEDS’ Vancouver and Toronto chapters, this third-annual report reveals fascinating insights into salary trends, professional development, and what’s driving career decisions in Canada’s thriving e-discovery market.

So, what’s the headline? Simply put salaries in e-discovery continue to rise, demand for qualified professionals is surging, and earning specialized certifications has never been more important.

According to this year’s findings, E-Discovery Project Managers with just 6-10 years of experience can earn anywhere from $131,000 to $200,000 annually—a significant jump compared to past reports. And if you’re in a Director-level position with extensive experience and a strong certification portfolio, it’s common to earn well over $200,000, especially in Eastern Canada.

But the report isn’t just about impressive salary numbers. It highlights an ongoing challenge that we’re seeing across the globe for ediscovery, edisclosure and digital investigations: the talent shortage. More than 80% of respondents have between 6 and 20+ years of experience, making it clear there’s a significant gap at the junior and intermediate levels. That means opportunities abound for professionals ready to step up—provided they’re equipped with the right skillset.

One clear takeaway from the report: certifications like ACEDS’ Certified E-Discovery Specialist (CEDS) continue to offer a clear pathway to career advancement and higher compensation. Professionals with technical certifications, such as Relativity, Reveal, or Microsoft 365, consistently report salaries on the higher end of the spectrum.

The report also sheds light on why e-discovery professionals stay in their roles despite high pressure and demanding workloads. Flexibility (think hybrid or remote work), strong team relationships, competitive compensation, and meaningful career advancement opportunities top the list. This is similar to what we see in the United States based on information we share each month on our Eye on ESI webinars.

Curious how your salary compares, or thinking of making a career move? Want to see how Canadian Salary trends have evolved over the past three years? Dive deeper into the details—salary breakdowns by role, certification value, common industry challenges, and what’s driving retention—in the full 2024 ACEDS Canadian E-Discovery Salary Report [link to report landing page]

And if you’re serious about taking your e-discovery career to the next level, now’s a perfect time to join your local ACEDS chapter. Connect with industry peers, attend expert-led training events, and learn how ACEDS training and certification programs—like the International eDiscovery Executive Certificate and the Canadian-specific CEDS Credential—can help position you at the forefront of this growing industry.

Want the complete breakdown of salaries, job roles, and deeper insights into why professionals choose to stay or move on?

The full 2024 report goes into greater detail, providing comprehensive data on salary structures, bonuses, benefits, vacation and wellness days, and more—essential for anyone looking to navigate their e-discovery career strategically or hire top talent effectively.

1. Download the full 2024 Canadian E-Discovery Salary Report
2. Connect with the ACEDS Toronto Chapter or Vancouver Chapter

Stay informed, connected, and ready for what’s next in Canadian e-discovery!

Maribel Rivera

VP, Strategy and Client Engagement at ACEDS

As Vice President of Strategy and Client Engagement at ACEDS, Maribel is responsible for local chapter, membership, event management, and strategic partner engagement. A seasoned professional who has helped brands and businesses connect with their audiences and achieve their goals, her breadth of experience, strategic and creative abilities unlock innovation and bring business ideas to life. Prior to ACEDS, she consulted for a variety of private clients in technology, education, and recruiting, crafting and leading marketing and operations solutions for small and mid-sized companies. She also worked as director of sales operations for Fronteo USA Inc. An active member of Women in eDiscovery and ARMA Metro NYC, she also devotes time to charitable work. She speaks regularly on marketing and diversity and inclusion. When she isn’t working, Maribel enjoys traveling, reading, education and working out. Reach her at [email protected].