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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Software Engineer salary lies between USD 135,800 and USD 210,000 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: Jan. 12, 2025

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Software Engineer job listings are Engineering, Python 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:

Engineering | 5622 jobs Python | 5457 jobs Machine Learning | 4719 jobs Computer Science | 4091 jobs Architecture | 3281 jobs AWS | 2706 jobs Java | 2663 jobs Testing | 2508 jobs Security | 2432 jobs Pipelines | 2090 jobs Kubernetes | 1997 jobs APIs | 1953 jobs SQL | 1713 jobs Azure | 1704 jobs Research | 1643 jobs Agile | 1624 jobs GCP | 1544 jobs Privacy | 1457 jobs Docker | 1435 jobs Distributed Systems | 1434 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Software Engineer job listings are Career development, Equity / stock options 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 | 5417 jobs Equity / stock options | 3221 jobs Health care | 3080 jobs Startup environment | 1922 jobs Competitive pay | 1902 jobs Salary bonus | 1833 jobs Flex hours | 1735 jobs Medical leave | 1650 jobs Flex vacation | 1584 jobs Insurance | 1413 jobs Parental leave | 1365 jobs Team events | 1163 jobs 401(k) matching | 999 jobs Wellness | 738 jobs Relocation support | 457 jobs Fertility benefits | 404 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 357 jobs Home office stipend | 335 jobs Transparency | 332 jobs Flexible spending account | 309 jobs

Salary Composition

In Canada, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Software Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a mix of base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or company-wide, usually make up about 10-20%. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or equity, can vary significantly depending on the company size and industry. For instance, tech startups might offer more equity to compensate for a lower base salary, while larger tech companies might provide a more balanced package with substantial bonuses and stock options. Regional differences also play a role, with tech hubs like Toronto and Vancouver offering higher salaries compared to other regions.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 175,500, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of AI/ML, such as natural language processing, computer vision, or reinforcement learning, which can command higher salaries.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as AI/ML team lead or director, which typically offer higher compensation.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in AI/ML, and consider pursuing advanced certifications or courses.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network within the AI/ML community, which can lead to higher-paying opportunities.
• Negotiation Skills: Improve your negotiation skills to better advocate for higher compensation during job offers or performance reviews.

Educational Requirements

For a Senior-level or Expert Software Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science, a strong educational background is often required. Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. in a specialized area of AI/ML can significantly enhance your prospects and salary potential. Advanced degrees demonstrate a deeper understanding of complex algorithms and data structures, which are crucial for high-level roles.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can bolster your credentials and demonstrate your expertise in AI/ML:

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

These certifications can provide a competitive edge by validating your skills and knowledge in specific AI/ML tools and platforms.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level or Expert Software Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in software engineering, with a significant portion of that time focused on AI/ML projects. Experience in designing and deploying machine learning models, working with large datasets, and using AI/ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn is crucial. Additionally, experience in leading projects or teams can be highly beneficial.

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