DS Rates of Pay – Defence Scientific Service (Government of Canada)

DS rates of pay for all DS (Defence Scientific Service) levels in the Canadian federal public service, 2026. Salaries range from $66,932 to $183,376 across 6 levels. Category: Science & Policy. Source: Treasury Board collective agreements.

DS – Defence Scientific Service

$66,932 – $183,376

$2,574 – $7,053 biweekly (before deductions)

6 levels · Salary data from Treasury Board collective agreements

Rates effective from 2025-10-01 · Last verified 2026-04-16 · methodology

All DS Levels

Level	Steps	Step 1	Max Step
DS-2	5	$66,932	$88,184
DS-3	7	$88,184	$107,451
DS-4	11	$114,539	$145,934
DS-5	10	$135,182	$165,155
DS-6	7	$155,336	$176,619
DS-7	5	$169,168	$183,376

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About the DS Classification

The DS (Defence Scientific Service) group covers scientists and researchers working for the Department of National Defence (DND) and Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). DS employees conduct military-relevant research across a wide range of disciplines: cybersecurity, electronic warfare, ballistic protection, human factors, chemical and biological defence, naval architecture, and operational research. DRDC is one of Canada's largest research organizations and the primary employer of DS staff.

DS-01 through DS-03 cover junior to working-level defence scientists. DS-04 through DS-06 are senior scientists and research section heads. DS-07 and above are director-level positions managing major research programs. The DS scale spans from early-career researchers to highly experienced scientists with international reputations in their fields. Most DS positions require graduate degrees, with PhDs common at DS-04 and above.

The DS group is represented by PIPSC. Defence scientific work is unique in the federal government: DS researchers often work on classified projects, have access to specialized military testing facilities, and collaborate closely with allied nations' defence research organizations (particularly the US, UK, and Australia through the TTCP framework). The combination of meaningful research, job security, and pension benefits attracts scientists who want to contribute to national security while maintaining a more stable career path than academic or private-sector research.

Want to know your take-home pay after taxes and deductions? Use the take-home pay calculator or compare DS with other classifications.