
Average Salary of Software Engineer in Canada varies significantly based on factors like experience, location, and technical expertise. Canada’s thriving tech industry offers excellent opportunities for both fresh graduates and experienced professionals, making it a preferred destination for software engineers worldwide.
Understanding the salary trends, including the software engineer salary in Canada per month, per year, and by experience level, helps candidates plan their careers effectively.
The average software engineer salary Canada in 2025 is approximately CAD 88,561 per year, translating to CAD 6,270 per month or about CAD 38 per hour. Depending on the source, median base salaries range between CAD 84,472 and CAD 103,607, with additional cash compensation such as bonuses and profit sharing ranging from CAD 7,500 to CAD 11,000 annually. This makes Canada one of the most promising countries for software professionals seeking both career growth and a high standard of living.
Experience is a major factor influencing pay. Salaries rise significantly as professionals gain expertise.
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Software Engineer Salary in Canada by Experience |
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Experience Level |
Average Annual Salary (CAD) |
Average Monthly Salary (CAD) |
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Entry-Level (0-2 years) |
67,402 – 75,069 |
5,600 – 6,250 |
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Mid-Career (3-8 years) |
89,639 – 99,845 |
7,470 – 8,320 |
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Senior-Level (8+ years) |
112,595 – 132,638 |
9,380 – 11,050 |
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Tech Lead / Architect |
151,800 – 163,466+ |
12,650 – 13,620+ |
Fresh graduates can expect an entry-level software engineer salary in Canada of around CAD 67,402, depending on the city and company. These roles typically involve coding, debugging, and learning under supervision. Top-tier companies like Google, Amazon, or Shopify may offer higher starting packages.
Professionals with 5+ years of experience earn an average senior software engineer salary in Canada of CAD 127,340. Roles include leadership responsibilities, architecture planning, and team management. Big Tech companies may offer total compensation packages ranging from CAD 200,000 to 300,000.
Salaries vary across provinces and cities based on living costs and tech demand.
Top Paying Provinces:
Ontario: CAD 109,620 – 150,102
British Columbia: CAD 110,000 – 148,992
Alberta: CAD 81,784 – 95,000
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Top Cities for Software Engineers |
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City |
Average Annual Salary (CAD) |
Key Tech Strengths |
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Toronto, ON |
90,650 – 100,016 |
Fintech, AI, Big Tech hub |
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Vancouver, BC |
96,673 – 109,407 |
Gaming, AR/VR, SaaS |
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Ottawa, ON |
87,744 – 98,547 |
Telecommunications, SaaS |
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Montreal, QC |
81,091 – 89,149 |
AI Research, Game Dev |
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Waterloo, ON |
90,236 – 102,287 |
Startups, R&D |
Different roles influence salary. Here’s a comparison:
Software Developer: CAD 92,313
Back-end Developer: CAD 94,240
Java Developer: CAD 92,597 – 123,245
Full Stack Developer: CAD 87,898
Data Scientist: CAD 95,827 – 139,684
Specialized roles like AI engineers or cloud architects often earn higher than the general software engineer salary in Canada.
Some of the highest-paying employers include:
Amazon: CAD 136,727 – 148,010
Google: CAD 145,862 – 150,000
Microsoft: CAD 116,525 – 124,546
Shopify: CAD 115,000 – 129,418
IBM Canada: CAD 97,000 – 98,904
Several variables affect earning potential:
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Java, Python, SQL, and C# increases salary potential.
Education: Master’s degrees can lead to up to 27% higher salaries.
Certifications: Cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and security certifications boost pay.
Experience & Negotiation: Salary ranges increase with experience and effective negotiation.
