Are you considering a career in software engineering in Canada, or looking to level up your current compensation?
We have done a comprehensive analysis of 831 software engineering positions across Canada. This article details the software engineer salary and computer engineering salary in Canada for 2025, and the key factors that influence compensation as revealed by the data, focusing on education, early career progression, geographical flexibility, and targeting leadership roles. We’ll explore how much a software engineer makes and provide insights into the IT salary landscape.
Average Software Engineer Salary in Canada
The median Canadian software engineer salary is CAD 108,000 per year ($80,000 USD) or CAD 51.92 per hour ($38.46 USD). This figure gives insight into how much does software engineer makes in Canada.
Factors Influencing Salary
Required Educational Level and Software Engineer Qualifications
Software engineering positions in Canada typically require specialisation in computer science, software engineering, or related technical disciplines. Over 76% of jobs require just a bachelor’s degree, while only 4.66% require a PhD. This suggests that while education is important, practical experience and programming skills often carry more weight in determining software engineer salaries. Interestingly, PhD holders command significantly higher salaries, earning an average of CAD 157,194 annually.
Required Years of Experience and Software Engineer Wage Progression
The graph clearly shows that the Canadian software engineers wages increase consistently with experience. We observe that the most significant rate of increase occurs between years 1-3, where the average software engineer salary in Canada jumps from approximately CAD 81,470 to CAD 117,000. This suggests that early career development has the most significant impact on compensation growth, after which other factors such as specialisation, leadership abilities, and company size become more influential determinants of a software engineers salary in Canada.
Average Software Engineer Salary by Seniority
The table shows a dramatic increase in software engineer salaries as seniority level increases. The progression from internship to principal software engineer represents a 366% increase in software developer salary in Canada. This substantial differential highlights the value that experience and leadership capabilities bring to organisations in the technology sector, especially software engineering. The total pay, including base pay and additional pay, varies significantly across these job titles.
Cities with the Highest Software Engineer Salary in Canada
| City | Province | Annual Salary (CAD) | Hourly Rate (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolton | ON | $182,250 | $87.62 |
| Calgary | AB | $154,376 | $74.22 |
| Edmonton | AB | $139,000 | $66.83 |
| Vernon | BC | $137,970 | $66.33 |
| Montreal | QC | $123,170 | $59.22 |
| Vancouver | BC | $120,528 | $57.95 |
| Toronto | ON | $117,815 | $56.64 |
| Ottawa | ON | $117,066 | $56.28 |
| Regina | SK | $112,248 | $53.96 |
| Winnipeg | MB | $112,248 | $53.96 |
| Peterborough | ON | $108,000 | $51.92 |
The data reveals that Bolton, Ontario, offers the highest software engineering salaries in Canada, offering an impressive CAD 182,250 per year. Interestingly, Calgary and Edmonton also feature prominently, suggesting that Alberta’s tech sector offers competitive compensation. The software engineer salary in Toronto, often considered Canada’s primary tech hub, averages $117,815 annually, which is lower than in several smaller cities. For those interested in specific regions, the software engineer salary in Montreal is CAD 123,170, while the software engineer salary in Ontario varies, with Ottawa offering CAD 117,066 annually.
Top Paying Companies in Canada
Here is a list of the top paying tech companies that consistently offer above-average salaries for software engineers in Canada:
Leading Employers by Average Compensation
| Company | Annual Salary (CAD) | Hourly Rate (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ariaan Tech | $280,800 | $135.00 |
| Vercel | $258,525 | $124.29 |
| Vivun | $253,800 | $122.02 |
| Accutar Biotechnology | $240,300 | $115.53 |
| Gusto | $229,500 | $110.34 |
| Serve Robotics | $211,050 | $101.47 |
| Asana | $207,941 | $99.97 |
| PermitFlow | $202,500 | $97.36 |
| Photonic | $202,500 | $97.36 |
| Acentury | $196,560 | $94.50 |
What Tech Giants Pay in Canada
Major technology companies operating in Canada offer competitive packages, though they may not always top the compensation charts:
- Dropbox: $173,842 CAD annually
- Coinbase: $194,876 CAD annually
- BitGo: $177,390 CAD annually
These organisations represent diverse sectors, including fintech, cloud storage, and biotechnology, indicating that software engineering expertise is highly valued across multiple industries in the Canadian IT sector.
How to Maximise Your Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive data analysis, we recommend the following strategies to optimise your software engineer salary in Canada:
- Pursue Advanced Education Strategically – While a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most roles, a PhD can increase earnings by 40%
- Focus on rapid skill development in years 2-5 – This is when the most significant salary increases occur
- Consider Location Flexibility – Cities like Bolton and Calgary offer surprisingly high compensation
- Master In-Demand Technologies – Cloud platforms, AI/ML, and blockchain command premium salaries
Key Skills to Develop:
- Programming languages: Python, Java, JavaScript, Go, Rust, C++, .NET
- Cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform
- DevOps tools: Kubernetes, Docker, Jenkins, Terraform
- AI/ML frameworks: TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn
- Data engineering: Apache Spark, Kafka, Hadoop
- Web development: Angular, React, Vue.js for front-end and back-end development
Check out our detailed article on the required Software Engineering Skills for 2025
Future Trends in Software Engineering Salaries
The Canadian software engineering field continues to evolve with increasing focus on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and sustainable technology. Engineers who develop expertise in these emerging areas are likely to command premium software engineering salaries in Canada as organisations compete for talent with specialised knowledge.
Remote work opportunities have also expanded the talent pool, allowing Canadian engineers to compete for international roles while potentially maintaining lower costs of living. This trend is expected to continue influencing salary dynamics in 2025 and beyond. The rise of contract work and freelancing has also impacted the market, with some engineers opting for higher hourly rates (sometimes exceeding $98 per hour) in exchange for more flexibility.
The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 831 publicly available software engineering salaries in Canada. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analysed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. The data analysis was updated in May 2025, providing the most current information on software engineer average salary.
Conclusion
The software engineering profession offers exceptional earning potential across Canada, with the median software engineer salary Canada reaching $108,000 CAD annually. While education provides a foundation, experience and specialization significantly influence salary levels. Location choices can dramatically impact compensation, with some smaller cities offering surprisingly competitive packages.
For software engineers looking to maximize their earning potential, a strategic approach to career development is essential. This includes continuously upgrading technical skills, gaining experience with cutting-edge technologies, and considering opportunities beyond traditional tech hubs. Understanding salary trends and effectively negotiating compensation can play a crucial role in securing a competitive package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current median salary for software engineers in Canada?
According to our recent data analysis of 831 software engineering positions across Canada, the median software developer salary Canada is $108,000 CAD per year or $51.92 CAD per hour. This figure represents the benchmark for software engineering professionals as of May 2025, though actual pay can vary significantly based on factors such as education, experience level, location, and company size.
How does education level affect software engineers pay in Canada?
Education has a moderate but notable impact on software engineering salaries in Canada. While 77% of positions require only a bachelor’s degree, those with PhDs earn significantly more – averaging $157,194 CAD annually compared to $111,570 CAD for bachelor’s degree holders. However, practical experience and specialized skills often outweigh educational credentials in determining compensation.
Which Canadian cities offer the highest salaries for software engineers?
Bolton, Ontario surprisingly leads with an annual average of $182,250 CAD. Calgary follows at $154,376 CAD, with Edmonton at $139,000 CAD. Major tech hubs like Toronto ($117,815 CAD) and Vancouver ($120,528 CAD) offer competitive but not top-tier salaries, suggesting that specialized industrial clusters and cost-of-living adjustments play significant roles in compensation.
How does experience level affect software engineers salaries in Canada?
Experience dramatically influences Canadian software engineer pay. Entry-level engineers earn approximately $81,500 CAD, while those with 3-5 years see their compensation increase to $117,000-$125,000 CAD. The most significant salary jump occurs between years 1-3, representing a critical period for career development and salary negotiation. Engineers with 10+ years of experience can expect salaries around $128,000 CAD or higher.
What strategies can help maximize salary potential for software engineers in the Canadian job market?
To maximize your software engineering salaries in Canada, focus on developing expertise in high-demand technologies like AI/ML and cloud platforms, consider opportunities in smaller cities with high compensation, pursue strategic certifications rather than just advanced degrees, target specialized companies in biotech or fintech sectors, and develop leadership skills to access management roles. Stay informed about salary trends and be prepared to negotiate your total compensation package including equity and benefits.
What is the software engineer salary in Canada per month and per hour?
The software engineer salary in Canada per month averages around $9,000 CAD, based on the median annual salary of $108,000 CAD. As for the software engineer salary in Canada per hour, it averages $51.92 CAD, though this can vary significantly based on experience and location.
How does the computer engineering salary compare to software engineering salary in Canada?
Computer engineering salaries in Canada are generally comparable to software engineering salaries, with some variations depending on specialization. On average, computer engineers might earn slightly less, around $100,000 to $105,000 CAD annually, compared to the $108,000 CAD median for software engineers.
Are there many job openings for software engineers in Canada?
Yes, there are numerous job openings for software engineers across Canada, particularly in major tech hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. The demand for skilled professionals in areas such as full stack development, cloud services, and AI/ML is particularly high, with many companies actively recruiting for both junior and senior software engineer positions.
How does the software development lifecycle impact salaries?
Proficiency in various stages of the software development lifecycle can significantly impact salaries. Engineers who can manage entire projects from conception to deployment, including expertise in areas like Agile SCRUM methodologies, tend to command higher salaries. Understanding and implementing efficient software development lifecycles is particularly valued in senior and management roles.
What is the salary range for specialized roles like bioinformatics software engineers?
Specialized roles such as bioinformatics software engineers, who work on bioinformatics algorithms and data analysis in the life sciences sector, often command premium salaries. These positions can offer salaries ranging from $110,000 to $209,000 per year, depending on experience and the specific requirements of the role.
