Canada’s tech sector is booming. With cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and quantum computing, Canada has established itself as a global hub for software engineering talent. This high-tech landscape offers lucrative opportunities for software developers. But how much does the average developer earn in Canada, and how do their salaries compare to the overall average salaries in Canada?
This guide examines software developer salaries across Canada. We’ll analyze key data on national and provincial averages, salaries by city, top-paying employers, and the impact of in-demand skills.
Whether you’re an aspiring developer looking for some software developer jobs or a seasoned expert exploring new opportunities, this guide will help you navigate Canada’s competitive tech talent market.
What are the Salaries for Software Developers in Canada?
IT-related professions are always at the top of the dream jobs of many young generations, partly because of their desirable income. But, precisely, how much? With data collected from many sources, below is what you can refer to.
The National Average Salary for Software Developers
According to recent salary surveys, the national average wage for software developer jobs in Canada is $104,812 per year. For software engineers specifically, the average annual salary is $127,292, which is much higher the national average annual wage of $72,800 for Canadian-born employees.
These six-figure averages highlight the lucrative earning potential within Canada’s software development field. However, keep in mind that developer salaries can vary significantly based on factors like experience level, specific skills, and geographical region.
For example, the average salary for entry-level software developers starts at around $75,070 per year. At the other end of the spectrum, experienced developers can make up to $162,772 annually depending on their expertise and specialty.
While national averages provide a baseline, looking at regional wage differences reveals a more nuanced picture of Canada’s software engineering salary landscape.
Software Developer Salaries by Province and Territory
Salaries for software developers and engineers can fluctuate substantially depending on which part of Canada they work in. The following table outlines the average annual salaries by province and territory:
| Province/Territory | Average Salary |
| Quebec | $130,000 |
| Ontario | $127,970 |
| British Columbia | $112,997 |
| Nova Scotia | $110,383 |
| Alberta | $109,029 |
| New Brunswick | $108,939 |
| Manitoba | $106,125 |
| Saskatchewan | $104,325 |
| Prince Edward Island | $77,669 |
| Northwest Territories, Nunavut & Yukon | N/A |
Source: https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=software+developer
The data reveals that Canada’s two largest tech talent hubs – Quebec and Ontario – offer the highest provincial average salaries at $130,000 and $127,970, respectively.
British Columbia ($112,997) and Alberta ($109,029) also compensate developers competitively. These provinces have nurtured thriving tech sectors in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.
Meanwhile, Prince Edward Island reports the lowest average at $77,669 annually. The island’s small population translates to fewer opportunities and lower salaries for software professionals. However, pay still exceeds the national average for most occupations.
Given Canada’s geographical variance in software salaries, let’s focus more on the provincial markets with the highest earnings potential: Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec.
Alberta
- Average provincial salary in Alberta – $109,029
- Highest paying major city – Calgary, at $29.54 to $72.12 per hour
- Key industries hiring – oil & gas, construction, finance
- In-demand skills – Python, .NET, DevOps, AWS, IoT
Alberta’s economic landscape and recovering energy sector make it a high-paying region for developers. Major employers include energy companies, construction firms, banks, and startups. Python, .NET, and cloud expertise are in demand to support engineering and data analytics applications.
Ontario
- Average provincial salary in Ontario – $127,970
- Highest paying major city – Toronto, at $28.85 to $72.12 per hour
- Key industries hiring – finance, telecom, healthcare, consulting
- In-demand skills – Java, cybersecurity, AI/machine learning, mobile app development
As Canada’s technology epicentre, Ontario offers a breadth of software roles. Toronto houses global banks, telcos, hospitals, and tech consultancies, leading demand for programmers skilled in Java, AI, healthcare IT, and security.
Quebec
- Average provincial salary in Quebec – $130,000
- Highest paying major city – Montreal at $30.77 to $69.71 per hour
- Key industries hiring – video game development, animation, finance
- In-demand skills – C++, .NET, Unity, cloud platforms, machine learning
Montreal has become a hub for game development, VFX, simulation, and animation firms that rely heavily on software engineers. Developers proficient in C++, Unity, 3D graphics, AR/VR, and cloud tools are in high demand.
The Highest and Lowest Paying Cities for Software Jobs
Where you live and work as a developer significantly impacts your earning potential in Canada. Software professionals can make vastly different salaries in cities in the same province.
The following table outlines the hourly salary range for software developers in some of Canada’s highest and lowest-paying metropolitan areas:
| City | Hourly Salary Range |
| Toronto, ON | $28.85 – $72.12 |
| Calgary, AB | $29.54 – $72.12 |
| Victoria, BC | $32.00 – $75.00 |
| Prince Albert, SK | $36.06 – $82.50 |
| Quebec City, QC | $30.77 – $69.71 |
| Saint John, NB | $31.25 – $57.69 |
| Charlottetown, PEI | $24.04 – $55.46 |
Source: https://getgis.org/blog/software-enineer-salary-in-canada
As the table shows, major tech hubs like Toronto and Calgary offer hourly pay ranging from $28 to over $70 for software professionals. Victoria and Quebec City also present substantial opportunities, with top salaries reaching $75 and $69.71 per hour.
Conversely, smaller urban centers see reduced pay potential. Cities like Saint John and Charlottetown cap salaries between $55 to $60 per hour, highlighting regional disparities.
Developers earn the highest wages in Canada’s largest metropolitan areas, where tech companies cluster. Competition for talent in cities like Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa drives salaries upward.
Top Companies Hiring Software Developers in Canada
Canada’s hottest tech employers attract top talent by offering lucrative compensation packages to software professionals.
The following table outlines the average salaries at some of the top companies hiring developers in Canada:
| Company | Average Annual Salary |
| Amazon | $122,652 |
| AMD | $101,101 |
| IBM | $104,000 |
| RBC | $96,000 |
| Scotiabank | $105,000 |
| $116,000 |
Source: https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salary/Google-Software-Engineer-Salaries-E9079_D_KO7,24.htm
Global innovators like Amazon and Google pay an average of above $115,000 to secure expert programmers well-versed in emerging technologies like machine learning and cloud platforms.
Leading Canadian banks and financial institutions like RBC, Scotiabank, and BMO also pay premiums to recruit talent focused on fintech, cybersecurity, and data analytics. On average, developers at RBC earn around $100,000.
Salaries at technology companies and multinational corporations exceed national averages by wide margins. Developers should target these cutting-edge employers to maximize their income potential.
How can Software Developers Improve their Salaries in Canada?
Everyone wants a steady and growing salary to meet their needs, and so do software developers. And given the rising cost of living in Canada, this issue is more important than ever. So the question is, how can software developers ‘inflate’ their wallets?
In-Demand Skills That Boost Developer Salaries
A developer’s technical expertise significantly influences salary expectations from employers. Mastering in-demand programming languages and platforms can unlock Canada’s most lucrative software engineering roles.
For example, full-stack developers earn an average annual salary of $110,201 in Canada. These professionals possess integrated frontend and backend coding skills across platforms like React, Node.js, and MongoDB.
On the backend, Python and Java represent two of the most sought-after programming languages. The typical Java developer in Canada makes around $123,238 per year, while the average salary for a Python developer is $117,116 annually.
Expertise in Kotlin and Swift is essential for mobile development roles. On average, mobile app developers earn approximately $105,000 per year.
Demand also remains high for software professionals with experience in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes. These skills can propel developers toward high-paying careers in cloud architecture and DevOps.
In short, developers should focus on building proficiency in Canada’s most in-demand programming languages, frameworks, and platforms to maximize their salary potential. Let’s look at some leading companies paying top dollar for these skill sets.
Education and Certifications Matter Too
Of course, higher salaries don’t come without continuous skills development. Let’s examine how education and certifications help developers command top pay in Canada.
On the educational front, 96% of software developers in Canada hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Computer science and software engineering degrees represent the most direct path into the field.
However, developers can also transition from disciplines like computer engineering, mathematics, physics, and information technology.
At senior levels, management roles often require a master’s degree in computer science or business administration. Education signals advanced expertise and leadership skills.
Industry certifications provide another way to stand out. Credentials like the AWS Certified Developer Associate and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer demonstrate proficiency in cloud computing and enterprise applications.
Specialties like cybersecurity (CEH certification), data science (Cloudera Data Analyst), and UI/UX design (Google UX Certificate) carry their certification programs to highlight niche skills.
While not mandatory, targeted education and certifications enable developers to unlock higher salaries from leading tech employers.
What is the Salary Outlook for Software Developers in Canada?
Software development, like any other profession, not only does salary vary by skill level, but rank and age are also important factors. So, what are the industry prospects for young and experienced software developers?
Salaries for Entry-Level Developers vs. Experienced
Let’s explore how salaries for software professionals in Canada progress from entry-level to later career stages.
Junior developers entering the field can expect average starting salaries of around $75,070 annually. Entry-level roles focus on basic coding, software testing, debugging, and maintenance tasks.
After gaining 2-3 years of experience, developers typically transition to mid-level positions like systems analysts, front-end web developers, and database administrators. Salaries for mid-career developers range from $85,000 to $115,000 on average.
At the senior level, experienced developers may tackle more complex software architectures, cross-platform systems, machine learning models, and project leadership roles. Depending on specialization, these professionals can earn between $125,000 to $165,000 annually.
With extensive expertise, technical leaders can become solution architects, engineering directors, and CTOs. These strategic roles deliver salaries exceeding $180,000 per year.
The table below summarizes the earning potential growth throughout a software developer’s career lifecycle in Canada:
| Career Stage | Average Salary Range |
| Entry-Level | $75,000 – $85,000 |
| Mid-Career | $85,000 – $115,000 |
| Senior | $125,000 – $165,000 |
| Executive/Leadership | $180,000+ |
In short, seasoned professionals with the right skill sets and experience can more than double their earnings from entry-level roles. Developers have lucrative paths to advance their income over time in Canada.
Salary Outlook for Junior Developers
For developers just starting, Canada offers a range of high-paying roles to launch your career.
The average salary for entry-level software developers is around $75,070 per year. However, experts predict wages for new graduates will rise in the coming years due to talent shortages.
Here are a few of the hottest entry-level developer roles in Canada with their typical salary ranges:
- Software Developer – $75,000-$85,000: Focuses on coding, debugging, and software testing tasks.
- Web Developer – $70,000-$80,000: Builds and implements websites across platforms. Requires HTML/CSS/JavaScript expertise.
- Application Developer – $75,000-$85,000: Develops mobile and desktop applications. Relies on languages like Java and Swift.
- Game Developer – $70,000-$85,000: Combines programming with creative skills to produce games.
The abundance of junior developer jobs presents new graduates with myriad options for launching their high-paying software careers in Canada’s biggest technology hubs.
Salary Outlook for Senior Developers and Managers
For experienced developers later in their careers, Canada presents lucrative opportunities.
Senior developers and technical leaders earn some of the country’s highest salaries, averaging between $140,000 and $180,000 annually. Global tech companies and large enterprises pay premiums for this top-tier talent.
Some of the most financially rewarding roles for seasoned professionals include:
- Solution Architect – $150,000-$170,000: Designs complex enterprise systems and software integrations.
- Engineering Director – $160,000-$200,000: Leads teams of developers and oversees project execution.
- Machine Learning Expert – $140,000-$180,000: Develops and implements advanced AI algorithms and models.
- Data Architect – $140,000-$160,000: Creates data pipelines, warehouses, and analytics systems.
Given the constant need for senior technical leaders at Canada’s most innovative companies, experienced developers can expect high demand and negotiating leverage.
Source: https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=software+developer
Key Takeaways
Here are major key takeaways about software developer salaries in Canada that you may need to know.
- Canada’s software developer job market is thriving, with over 215,000 professionals employed currently and 44,300 new openings expected by 2031.
- The national average salary for software developers is $104,812 annually, offering strong earning potential.
- Major technology hubs like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Waterloo top the salary scales thanks to robust tech sectors.
- Developers with in-demand skills like Java, Python, cloud platforms, AI, and cybersecurity can expect compensation packages above national averages, especially when working for top companies like Amazon, Google, IBM, and AMD.
- Salaries grow substantially from entry-level to later career stages, with experienced developers and managers earning up to $180,000 annually at leading employers.
Canada provides a lucrative environment for software developers at all experience levels. The country offers competitive salaries, abundant job opportunities, and long-term career growth across various exciting technology domains.
FAQs about Software Developer Salaries in Canada
How much does the average software developer make in Canada?
The average salary for a software developer in Canada is $104,812 per year. Entry-level developers earn approximately $75,070 annually, while experienced developers can make up to $162,772 per year.
What are the highest paying provinces for software developers in Canada?
The provinces with the highest average salaries for software developers are Quebec ($130,000), Ontario ($127,970), British Columbia ($112,997), and Alberta ($109,029). These provinces have thriving technology hubs driving demand.
What skills do you need to be a software developer in Canada?
The key technical skills needed include programming languages like Java, Python, C++, web development skills like JavaScript, mobile app development skills like Swift, and expertise in platforms like AWS and Kubernetes. Soft skills like communication, problem-solving and teamwork are also important.
Which companies pay software developers the most in Canada?
Some of the top companies that pay software developers the highest average salaries in Canada include Amazon, AMD, RBC and Scotiabank.
How much do entry-level software developers make in Canada?
The average salary for entry-level software developers in Canada is approximately $75,070 per year. However, top students graduating from leading tech programs can make between $80,000 to $90,000 in their first jobs at top-tier companies.