A software engineer’s salary in Canada ranges from around $62,000 per annum at entry-level to approximately $151,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $104,000 per annum.
What Is A Software Engineer’s Salary In Canada By Province?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Software Engineer's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 21231) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 29.54 | 49.38 | 72.12 |
| Alberta | 23.75 | 46.15 | 72.12 |
| British Columbia | 32.00 | 52.88 | 75.00 |
| Manitoba | 25.12 | 36.81 | 61.54 |
| New Brunswick | 31.25 | 42.31 | 57.69 |
| Newfoundland | 31.25 | 42.31 | 57.69 |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 32.31 | 41.03 | 64.90 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 28.85 | 50.00 | 72.12 |
| Prince Edward Island | 31.25 | 42.31 | 57.69 |
| Quebec | 30.77 | 47.69 | 69.71 |
| Saskatchewan | 36.06 | 46.15 | 82.50 |
| Yukon Territory | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Software Engineer’s Salary In Canada?
The highest mid-range software engineer’s salary in Canada is in BC, where salaries are about 7% above the national average.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest software developer’s salary in Canada is found in Manitoba, where mid-range salaries are around 12%lower than national averages. However, the cost of living here is lower than in many regions of Canada, so salaries should be viewed in this context.
Are Software Engineers In Demand In Canada?
According to government projections, the three-year prospects for software engineers range from “good” to “very good,” depending on the province. The best prospects are in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and PEI.
Growth in this job sector is currently strong, which has led to a shortage of qualified software engineers. This is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Government projections (by EDC) for 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for software engineers as 44,300, compared to 48,800 new job seekers who will fill these posts. The number of new job seekers won’t be sufficient to balance out the labour shortages.
A software engineer’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a software engineer’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For A Software Engineer In Canada?
The current NOC code for software engineers in Canada is 21231 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 2173). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Application architect
- Cloud infrastructure engineer
- Cloud operations engineer
- Embedded software engineer
- Mobile development lead
- Site reliability engineer
- Software and information technology project manager
- Software architect
- Software design engineer
- Software design project manager
- Software design verification engineer
- Software designer
- Software project manager
- Software systems integration engineer
- Software testing engineer
- Telecommunications software engineer
Can Immigrant Software Engineers Work In Canada?
If you trained as a software engineer overseas, there is a good chance you can work in Canada without further training. The skill set for software engineers is pretty standard worldwide, so the entry barrier is low for immigrants.
Additionally, software engineering is not regulated in Canada, and you are unlikely to need a license to work in this field.
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
What Is A Software Engineer’s Salary In Ontario?
A software engineer’s salary in Ontario ranges from $60,585 to $151,452 per annum. The mid-range salary is around $105,000, which is slightly higher than the national mid-range salary of $103,698. This suggests that software engineers in Ontario earn a bit more than the average Canadian software engineer.
Software engineers’ salaries in Ontario are pretty consistent across the province. This includes Toronto, where software engineers’ salaries are generally in line with provincial averages.
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What Is A Software Engineer’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for a software engineer in Ontario is $60,585. This is slightly lower than the national average starting salary for software engineers in Canada, which is $62,034.
What Is A Software Engineer’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range software engineer’s salary in Toronto is $105,000. It’s important to note that while this salary is competitive, Toronto is known for its high cost of living and some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. You might find that your salary goes further, and you enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Toronto.
What Is A Software Engineer’s Salary In Ottawa?
A mid-range software engineer’s salary in Ottawa is $105,546. Ottawa, while offering a comparable salary to Toronto, has lower property costs. This means that your salary might stretch further in Ottawa than in Toronto.
Are Software Engineers In Demand In Ontario?
Yes, Ontario is a hotbed for software engineers. With a significant number of vacancies and a thriving tech sector, Ontario is actively hiring skilled software engineers to meet the growing demand.
What Is A Software Engineer’s Salary In Alberta?
A software engineer’s salary in Alberta ranges from $49,875 to $151,452. The mid-range salary in Alberta is $96,915, which is slightly lower than the national mid-range salary of $103,698.
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What Is A Software Engineer’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for a software engineer in Alberta is $49,875. This is significantly lower than the national average starting salary for software engineers in Canada, which is $62,034.
What Is A Software Engineer’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range software engineer’s salary in Calgary is $96,915, which is lower than national averages. However, Calgary has a lower cost of living compared to most other major cities in Canada, so you might find that you enjoy a higher standard of living here.
What Is A Software Engineer’s Salary In Edmonton?
A software engineer’s salary in Edmonton is around $96,915, in line with salaries in Calgary. Edmonton is known for its low cost of living, especially when it comes to property prices, so while salaries are lower than in some cities, you can probably enjoy a higher standard of living here.
Are Software Engineers In Demand In Alberta?
Yes, software engineers are in high demand in Alberta. The job prospects here are rated “very good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. The province offers competitive salaries, a low cost of living and numerous job opportunities, making it an attractive destination for software engineers.
What Is A Software Engineer’s Salary In BC?
A software engineer’s salary in BC ranges from $67,200 to $157,500. The mid-range salary in BC is $111,048, which is higher than the national mid-range salary of $103,698.
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What Is A Software Engineer’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for a software engineer in BC is $67,200. This is higher than the national average starting salary for software engineers in Canada, which is $62,034.
What Is A Software Engineer’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range software engineer’s salary in Vancouver is $111,048. However, Vancouver is known for its high cost of living and some of Canada’s highest real estate costs. You might find that your salary goes further, and you enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Vancouver.
What Is A Software Engineer’s Salary In Victoria?
A software engineer’s salary in Victoria is around $108,827, slightly lower than in Vancouver. However, Victoria has lower property costs than Vancouver, which could mean your salary stretches further in Victoria.
Are Software Engineers In Demand In BC?
Yes, the demand is very strong for software engineers in BC. With a significant number of job vacancies and high salaries, BC is an attractive destination for software engineers. The province’s tech sector is growing rapidly, further increasing the demand for these professionals.
Where To Find More Information About Software Engineer Jobs In Canada
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
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