Security Engineer Salary in Canada during 2024

Salary details

The average Security Engineer salary lies between USD 125,000 and USD 197,000 in Canada. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Security Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Security Engineer job listings are Cloud, Compliance and Vulnerabilities. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 6977 jobs Compliance | 4703 jobs Vulnerabilities | 4434 jobs Computer Science | 4280 jobs Python | 4197 jobs AWS | 4109 jobs Automation | 3599 jobs Monitoring | 3150 jobs CISSP | 2953 jobs Azure | 2902 jobs Incident response | 2834 jobs Scripting | 2671 jobs Application security | 2667 jobs Firewalls | 2563 jobs Network security | 2476 jobs Linux | 2352 jobs NIST | 2292 jobs Privacy | 2262 jobs SIEM | 2100 jobs Pentesting | 2080 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Security Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Security Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 6098 jobs Health care | 4512 jobs Equity / stock options | 2948 jobs Flex hours | 2840 jobs Team events | 2810 jobs Competitive pay | 2519 jobs Insurance | 2127 jobs Flex vacation | 2019 jobs Salary bonus | 1941 jobs Medical leave | 1913 jobs Parental leave | 1835 jobs Startup environment | 1767 jobs 401(k) matching | 1400 jobs Wellness | 1355 jobs Home office stipend | 409 jobs Relocation support | 371 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 329 jobs Flexible spending account | 316 jobs Conferences | 314 jobs Fertility benefits | 289 jobs

Salary Composition for Security Engineers in Canada

The salary for a Security Engineer in Canada typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policies and the individual's performance. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, and comprehensive benefits packages that cover health, dental, and retirement plans.

The composition can vary based on several factors:

• Region: Salaries in major tech hubs like Toronto or Vancouver might be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.
• Industry: Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of security in these sectors.
• Company Size: Larger companies or well-funded startups might offer more competitive packages, including stock options and bonuses, compared to smaller firms.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Security Engineer Position

To increase your salary beyond the median level, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize: Develop expertise in niche areas such as cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence, which are in high demand.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM, which can justify a higher salary.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into roles with more responsibility, such as a Security Architect or Security Manager.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities to learn about higher-paying opportunities and industry trends.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and threats in cybersecurity to remain competitive.

Educational Requirements for Security Engineers

Most Security Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers might accept equivalent experience in lieu of formal education, but a degree is often preferred. Advanced positions might require a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline.

Helpful Certifications for Security Engineers

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often required or preferred by employers. Some of the most beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and validate your skills and knowledge.

Experience Required for Security Engineers

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. Experience in network security, system administration, or software development can be particularly valuable. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, as well as a proven track record of managing security incidents, is often required.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?