Canada’s Information Technology (IT) industry offers some of the highest-paying jobs outside the United States of America (USA). Software developers wanting the highest Canadian salaries in their field will gravitate to cities like Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal.
Canada is currently facing a shortage of technologically skilled professionals and software engineers as it loses many of its sharp, talented college/university graduates to the attraction of Silicon Valley. However, it makes up for this shortage by bringing in skilled foreign workers from all around the world to keep pace with market demand.
Compared to the USA, Canada is a more attractive location for many foreign nationals, creating a rich pool of tech and IT graduates. The lower cost of operating in Canada compared to the USA also has led to many firms relocating.
The top three peak salaries in Canada by cities are $129,500 in Calgary, $128,000 in Toronto and $127,500 in Vancouver.
According to Money.co.uk, Vancouver ranks as the No. 7 tech city in the world for educated workers with 21 tech start-ups per 100,000 people. The median annual salary for IT workers in Vancouver is US$101,293 which is higher than the US$92,500 an IT worker makes in Seattle, home to global tech giants Microsoft and Amazon.
Top five most in-demand jobs in Canada
- Information Systems Analyst
- Cloud Architect
- IT Project Manager
- Web Developer
- Data Scientists
Glassdoor.ca lists job descriptions and the average salary for those top five jobs:
Information Security Analyst – average salary $69,226
As an information security analyst, you will design and implement IT security systems to protect the organization’s computer networks from cyber attacks. You will also develop organization-wide best practices for IT security. You will monitor computer networks for security issues, install security software and document all security issues or breaches you find.
Cloud Architect – average salary $121,555
Cloud architects specialize in the creation, testing and implementation of software applications at a company or organization. They are the technical professionals for the planning, design, management, maintenance and support of cloud computing applications. They determine their client’s technological needs and suggest solutions that meet them. They enhance the delivery of cloud deployments and collaborate with development teams and other personnel to streamline application services.
IT Project Manager – average salary $91,300
An IT project manager is responsible for providing project planning and management for established initiatives within a company or organization. They ensure that projects are completed to specification, within an established time frame and budget. An IT project manager is the lead subject matter expert within the company regarding technology concerns. Additionally, they will hire and train additional support members in a business’ tech department. They use their industry expertise to improve all aspects of project planning and resource management.
Web Developer – average salary $61,003
Web developers work within the design code and modification of websites according to their client’s specifications to handle every aspect of the process of a website’s creation from layout to function. They make their clients’ visions become a reality by ensuring the finished website has its appropriate and fitting applications.
Data Scientist – average salary $87,248
Data scientists utilize their analytical, statistical and programming skills to collect, analyze and interpret large data sets. They then use this information to develop data-driven solutions to difficult business challenges. Data scientists commonly have a bachelor’s degree in statistics, math, computer sciences or economics. Data scientists have a wide range of technical competencies including statistics and machine learning, coding languages, databases, machine learning and reporting technologies.
Canada is continuing to show the world that it is emerging as a top competitor in the tech industry by attracting many talented tech workers with Canadian cities outpacing cities in the USA in growth rate and many cities becoming major tech hubs.
Interested in starting a career in the tech industry?
Canadian College of Technology and Business (CCTB) offers Cybersecurity Analyst with Practicum, Data Engineering and Analytics with Co-op and Cybersecurity Risk Management with Co-op programs to equip you with skills and knowledge to take on the complex challenges of the technology-based field.
Toronto School of Management (TSoM) offers Data Analytics with Co-op and Cybersecurity Specialists with Co-op programs that prepare students with the knowledge and experience to analyze data using cutting-edge technology to anticipate information risks and prevent cyberattacks.
Niagara College – Toronto offers a Computer Programming program which prepares students for employment through working with databases, interactive multimedia and software development and poised in the tech industry.