If you’re planning a career in tech, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: “What is the average salary of a software engineer in Canada?” According to recent data, the average gross salary is $125,448 per year, which equals about $60 per hour. In addition, software engineers in Canada earn an average bonus of $5,595 annually, making the profession one of the most rewarding in the country.
With technology being one of Canada’s fastest-growing industries, salaries vary based on experience, city, and specialization. Let’s break down the software engineering monthly salary, starting pay, and earnings in cities like Calgary, so you can get a complete picture.
Software Engineer Salary by Year in Canada
- Average Annual Salary: $125,448
- Monthly Salary: ~$10,454
- Hourly Rate: ~$60 (one of the highest software engineering hourly rates in North America)
This places Canada among the top-paying destinations for software engineers worldwide.
Starting Salary for Software Engineers in Canada
- Entry-Level Salary: $70,000 – $85,000 per year
- Starting Pay for Software Engineer (Monthly): ~$5,800 – $7,000
- Fresh graduates often begin with solid packages, with room for growth through skills in AI, cloud, and data engineering.
Software Engineer Salary by Experience
- Junior (1–3 years): $70,000 – $90,000
- Mid-Level (4–7 years): $95,000 – $120,000
- Senior (8+ years): $130,000 – $160,000+
- Lead/Architect Roles: $160,000 – $200,000
The software engineer salary by experience shows how quickly earnings rise as skills and responsibilities increase.
Average Software Engineer Salary in Calgary & Other Cities
Salaries differ across provinces:
- Toronto: $120,000 – $135,000
- Vancouver: $115,000 – $130,000
- Calgary: $110,000 – $125,000
- Montreal: $100,000 – $115,000
- Ottawa: $115,000 – $130,000
The average software engineer salary in Calgary is slightly lower than Toronto but comes with a lower cost of living, making it attractive for many professionals.
Also Check: Salary is Good Enough for a Single Person in Canada?
Average Software Developer Salary in Canada
While software engineers earn an average of $125,448, software developers typically earn slightly less, ranging from $95,000 to $115,000 per year, depending on skills and industry.
FAQs – Software Engineer Salary in Canada
Q1: What is the average salary of a software engineer in Canada?
The average salary of a software engineer in Canada is about $125,448 per year, which equals around $10,454 per month or $60 per hour.
Q2: What is the starting salary for a software engineer in Canada?
Entry-level software engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on location and company.
Q3: How much does a senior software engineer earn in Canada?
Senior software engineers can earn $130,000 to $160,000+ per year, while lead and architect-level roles may go above $200,000 annually.
Q4: Which Canadian city pays software engineers the most?
Toronto and Ottawa usually offer the highest salaries, ranging between $120,000 and $135,000 per year, while Calgary and Vancouver also provide competitive pay.
Q5: What is the difference between software engineer and software developer salaries in Canada?
On average, software engineers earn $125,448 per year, while software developers earn slightly less, around $95,000 to $115,000 annually.
Q6: Is Canada good for software engineers in 2025?
Yes. With growing demand for tech talent, Canada offers high salaries, career growth, and opportunities in AI, fintech, and cloud computing.
Final Thoughts
The average software engineer salary in Canada stands at $125,448 annually, or about $10,454 per month. From starting salary for software engineers of around $70,000 to senior roles paying over $160,000, Canada offers excellent earning potential and career growth opportunities.