Software Engineer Salary in Canada during 2024

Salary details

The average Software Engineer salary lies between USD 114,000 and USD 195,000 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: Feb. 2, 2025

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 | 1360 jobs Computer Science | 1140 jobs Python | 1107 jobs Java | 888 jobs AWS | 785 jobs C | 767 jobs Agile | 659 jobs Monitoring | 624 jobs Automation | 613 jobs Compliance | 605 jobs Linux | 581 jobs Kubernetes | 576 jobs APIs | 562 jobs Azure | 558 jobs Docker | 485 jobs Privacy | 485 jobs GCP | 465 jobs CI/CD | 443 jobs JavaScript | 384 jobs Clearance | 363 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 | 1382 jobs Health care | 1021 jobs Equity / stock options | 781 jobs Flex hours | 771 jobs Flex vacation | 765 jobs Parental leave | 682 jobs Medical leave | 663 jobs Insurance | 535 jobs Salary bonus | 465 jobs Startup environment | 448 jobs Competitive pay | 445 jobs Team events | 349 jobs Wellness | 285 jobs 401(k) matching | 259 jobs Transparency | 133 jobs Relocation support | 124 jobs Home office stipend | 121 jobs Gear | 89 jobs Flexible spending account | 87 jobs Fertility benefits | 73 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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