Software Developer Salary in Canada during 2024

Salary details

The average Software Developer salary lies between USD 84,615 and USD 144,100 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Software Developer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with 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 | 646 jobs Engineering | 510 jobs Machine Learning | 489 jobs Computer Science | 428 jobs Architecture | 352 jobs Java | 352 jobs Agile | 305 jobs Security | 299 jobs Testing | 291 jobs SQL | 251 jobs APIs | 234 jobs Docker | 233 jobs AWS | 226 jobs Research | 216 jobs JavaScript | 212 jobs Kubernetes | 209 jobs Git | 193 jobs Linux | 177 jobs Azure | 175 jobs DevOps | 169 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Software Developer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with 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 | 576 jobs Flex hours | 276 jobs Health care | 264 jobs Competitive pay | 184 jobs Insurance | 175 jobs Equity / stock options | 159 jobs Startup environment | 152 jobs Flex vacation | 123 jobs Salary bonus | 102 jobs Team events | 95 jobs Medical leave | 95 jobs Parental leave | 83 jobs 401(k) matching | 68 jobs Wellness | 52 jobs Flexible spending account | 52 jobs Relocation support | 40 jobs Transparency | 19 jobs Conferences | 17 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 15 jobs Fitness / gym | 13 jobs

Salary Composition

In Canada, the salary composition for AI/ML/Data Science roles can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into three main components: base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits.

• Base Salary: This is the fixed annual amount and usually constitutes the largest portion of the total compensation package. In major tech hubs like Toronto or Vancouver, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living and demand for tech talent.

• Bonuses: These are performance-based and can vary widely. In larger tech companies or financial institutions, bonuses can be a significant part of the compensation, sometimes ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary.

• Additional Remuneration: This includes stock options, profit-sharing, and other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Startups might offer more equity as part of the package, while established companies might provide more comprehensive benefits.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a median of USD 110,000, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in emerging AI/ML technologies and tools. Specializing in niche areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision can make you more valuable.

• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's or Ph.D. in a related field can open doors to higher-paying roles, especially in research-intensive positions.

• Networking: Engage with professional communities, attend conferences, and participate in workshops to expand your network. This can lead to opportunities in higher-paying companies or roles.

• Leadership Roles: Aim for positions that involve team leadership or project management, as these often come with higher compensation.

Educational Requirements

Most AI/ML/Data Science roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher, especially for more advanced positions. A strong foundation in statistics, mathematics, and programming is essential.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate your expertise:

• 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 and make you stand out in a competitive job market.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in software development, data analysis, or a related field. Experience with machine learning frameworks (like TensorFlow or PyTorch), data manipulation tools (such as Pandas or SQL), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) is often required. Experience in deploying machine learning models in production environments is highly valued.

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