Software Engineer Salary in Canada during 2024

Salary details

The average Software Engineer salary lies between USD 105,452 and USD 160,800 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Software Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Software Engineer job listings are Cloud, Computer Science and Python. 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 | 1186 jobs Computer Science | 970 jobs Python | 966 jobs Java | 763 jobs AWS | 681 jobs C | 664 jobs Agile | 567 jobs Automation | 534 jobs Monitoring | 523 jobs Compliance | 509 jobs Linux | 507 jobs Kubernetes | 485 jobs APIs | 473 jobs Azure | 470 jobs Privacy | 433 jobs Docker | 403 jobs GCP | 385 jobs CI/CD | 373 jobs JavaScript | 328 jobs Vulnerabilities | 313 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Software Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Software 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 | 1194 jobs Health care | 892 jobs Equity / stock options | 706 jobs Flex vacation | 662 jobs Flex hours | 656 jobs Parental leave | 594 jobs Medical leave | 591 jobs Insurance | 467 jobs Salary bonus | 413 jobs Competitive pay | 398 jobs Startup environment | 391 jobs Team events | 297 jobs Wellness | 256 jobs 401(k) matching | 236 jobs Transparency | 114 jobs Relocation support | 108 jobs Home office stipend | 103 jobs Flexible spending account | 83 jobs Gear | 80 jobs Fertility benefits | 66 jobs

Salary Composition in InfoSec/Cyber Security Roles

In Canada, the salary composition for InfoSec/Cyber Security roles can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range widely depending on the cost of living in the region and the demand for cybersecurity professionals.

In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses. These bonuses can be tied to individual performance, team performance, or the overall success of the company. The bonus percentage can vary, but it often ranges from 5% to 20% of the base salary.

Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer more competitive packages.

Steps to Increase Salary Further

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

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity, such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or penetration testing, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.

• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field, making you more valuable to employers.

• Gain Leadership Experience: Transitioning into a leadership role, such as a team lead or manager, can significantly increase your earning potential.

• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engaging with professional networks and attending industry conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.

• Consider Relocation: If feasible, relocating to regions with higher demand for cybersecurity professionals can lead to better salary offers.

Educational Requirements

Most InfoSec/Cyber Security roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may require a master's degree, especially for more advanced roles or those in research and development.

Employers often look for candidates with a strong foundation in programming, networking, and systems administration. Courses in cryptography, ethical hacking, and information security management are also highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your resume. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise.

Required Experience

Experience requirements for InfoSec/Cyber Security roles can vary, but typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of relevant experience. This experience can be gained through roles in IT support, network administration, or software development with a focus on security.

Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and vulnerability assessments is often required. Employers also value experience in developing and implementing security policies and procedures.

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