Salary for Senior-level / Expert Software Developer in Canada during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Software Developer salary lies between USD 111,350 and USD 153,600 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: Jan. 12, 2025

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Software Developer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Software Developer job listings are Python, Engineering and Machine Learning. 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:

Python | 359 jobs Engineering | 281 jobs Machine Learning | 280 jobs Computer Science | 238 jobs Architecture | 221 jobs Java | 203 jobs Security | 191 jobs Agile | 184 jobs Testing | 170 jobs AWS | 155 jobs APIs | 155 jobs Docker | 148 jobs Kubernetes | 145 jobs SQL | 127 jobs Research | 115 jobs CI/CD | 114 jobs Azure | 113 jobs Git | 107 jobs DevOps | 104 jobs JavaScript | 102 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Software Developer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Software Developer job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Health care. 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 | 324 jobs Flex hours | 160 jobs Health care | 131 jobs Competitive pay | 114 jobs Equity / stock options | 101 jobs Startup environment | 97 jobs Insurance | 95 jobs Flex vacation | 77 jobs Salary bonus | 66 jobs Medical leave | 56 jobs Team events | 52 jobs Parental leave | 51 jobs 401(k) matching | 39 jobs Flexible spending account | 34 jobs Wellness | 27 jobs Relocation support | 22 jobs Transparency | 16 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 10 jobs Conferences | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs

Salary Composition

In Canada, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Software Developer in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policy and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration like stock options is more common in larger tech companies or startups, where they are used as an incentive to align employee interests with company growth. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Toronto and Vancouver offering higher base salaries and more comprehensive bonus structures compared to smaller cities. Industry also plays a role; for instance, finance and tech sectors tend to offer more competitive packages compared to academia or non-profit sectors.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a team lead or manager, which often come with higher pay. Specializing in a niche area within AI/ML, such as natural language processing or computer vision, can also make you more valuable and justify a higher salary. Additionally, gaining expertise in emerging technologies like quantum computing or blockchain as they relate to AI/ML can set you apart. Networking within industry circles and attending conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, consider negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles that involve research or advanced algorithm development. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of complex concepts and demonstrate a commitment to the field, which can be crucial for senior roles.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate your expertise. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

These certifications can validate your skills in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Experience Requirements

Typically, a senior-level position in AI/ML/Data Science requires at least 5-10 years of experience in software development, with a significant portion of that time spent working on AI/ML projects. Experience in leading projects, mentoring junior developers, and a proven track record of successful AI/ML implementations are often expected. Familiarity with a variety of programming languages, frameworks, and tools used in AI/ML, such as Python, R, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, is also crucial.

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