Software Development Engineer Salary in Canada during 2024

Salary details

The average Software Development Engineer salary lies between USD 83,200 and USD 127,000 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: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Software Development Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Software Development 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 | 371 jobs Python | 363 jobs Machine Learning | 346 jobs Computer Science | 343 jobs Testing | 246 jobs Architecture | 226 jobs Java | 223 jobs Agile | 184 jobs AWS | 177 jobs Security | 147 jobs Research | 141 jobs APIs | 133 jobs SQL | 119 jobs Kubernetes | 109 jobs Azure | 106 jobs Distributed Systems | 105 jobs Docker | 102 jobs Linux | 100 jobs Pipelines | 99 jobs Big Data | 94 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Software Development Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Software Development 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 | 404 jobs Equity / stock options | 203 jobs Health care | 166 jobs Startup environment | 154 jobs Competitive pay | 111 jobs Medical leave | 108 jobs Team events | 105 jobs Insurance | 94 jobs Flex hours | 89 jobs Salary bonus | 80 jobs Parental leave | 64 jobs Flex vacation | 59 jobs Relocation support | 40 jobs 401(k) matching | 31 jobs Conferences | 29 jobs Flexible spending account | 26 jobs Transparency | 23 jobs Signing bonus | 22 jobs Wellness | 14 jobs Gear | 14 jobs

Salary Composition

In Canada, the salary composition for a Software Development Engineer specializing in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in larger tech companies. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in tech hubs like Toronto or Vancouver and in larger companies or startups with significant growth potential. In smaller companies or less tech-centric regions, the compensation might lean more heavily on the base salary with fewer bonuses or stock options.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider the following steps:

• 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.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities to learn about new opportunities and trends.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial positions, which typically offer higher salaries.
• Industry Switch: Transitioning to industries with higher pay scales, such as finance or healthcare, can also be beneficial.

Educational Requirements

Most positions for a Software Development Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles that involve complex algorithm development or research. Courses in mathematics, statistics, and data analysis are also highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

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

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with 3-5 years of experience in software development, with a focus on AI/ML projects. Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or Java, and familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, is often required. Experience in data analysis and model deployment is also highly valued.

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