What is the average salary in Canada for a Software Engineer?

The average salary in Canada for a Software Engineer is annually $150,300 or hourly $77.08. The majority of the Software Engineers earn annually and entry-level roles are offered $99,505.

If you wish to move to Canada as an overseas Software Engineer, you will have to secure the required score on the Canada CRS score calculator apart from fulfilling other eligibility criteria.  

The demand for highly skilled workers in the Canadian Tech sector remains high in 2024 even as there is a continual scarcity of workers including Software Engineers. Meanwhile, the fierce competition for talented tech professionals has resulted in the adoption of multiple hiring strategies inclusive of recruiting overseas workers.

Tech firms in Canada are increasingly focusing on providing lucrative salary and flexible work arrangements to allure top tech talents. Further, they are also exploring unique approaches to building IT professionals’ teams even as the demand for tech experts continues to rise.

Canada’s IT job Market Scenario

In 2024, employers in Canada are finding it specifically tough to fill roles in ML & AI, Compliance and Security, Operation and Cloud Architecture, and Database Administration and Database Engineering.

Even while it is essential to offer a competitive pay package, the major concern among employers in Canada in 2024 is to retain skilled workers. They are thus more and more focusing on diverse measures to foster retention such as amplified perks, enhanced vacations, and dynamic programs for professional development to support the growth of employees.

Top in-demand IT roles in Canada

AI, Cloud Computing, and Cyber security are the roles offering premium salaries as there is a huge demand for skilled workers in these domains. Even as businesses are heavily relying on systems based on the cloud and confront novel cyber risks, professionals having expertise in these areas are the most sought-after in Canada.

Beyond precise skills, specific IT roles are continually in huge demand. The following roles are the most sought-after in the Canadian Tech sector:

• Software Engineer
• Senior Consultant
• Software Developer
• Business Systems Analyst
• Network/Cloud Architect
• Project Manager – Technology
• IT Director

Most popular Immigration Pathways for Software Engineers

Express Entry System

The Federal Express Entry System is the most accelerated pathway for overseas Software Engineers to move to Canada. They can qualify either through the Federal Skilled Workers Program (Overseas Work Experience) or Canadian Experience Class (Work Experience in Canada).

Of these two, FSWP is the most popular option for the majority of the candidates who have overseas work experience.

Eligible candidates have to first create an online profile in the Express Entry System wherein they have to compete with fellow candidates who are equally qualified. Every candidate is offered a score in CRS based on the following factors;

• Age
• Education
• Language skills 
• Work experience
• Occupation
• Adaptability

The candidates who secure the highest points based on the above factors are offered the invitation to apply for a Canada PR Visa in the selection draws held usually once in 2 weeks under Express Entry. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada conduct these draws.

FSWP 

FSWP is designed specifically for candidates who have overseas work experience and fulfill the eligibility criteria specified for the program. After creating a profile in Express Entry, candidates have to first prove their eligibility by securing 67 out of 100 points.

In the next stage, they have to get a specific score under CRS to get ITA for PR Visa.

CEC

CEC is specifically for candidates who have a minimum of 12 months of work experience in Canada. Applicants are also required to fulfil other program-specific eligibility criteria.

Category-based Express Entry draws for Software Engineers

The category-based draws in Express Entry System were launched in 2023 focusing on specific categories of applicants. Even candidates with lower CRS scores have the opportunity to get ITA for a PR Visa in these draws.

Software Engineers can qualify for these draws through the STEM occupations selection category.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Most of the provinces in Canada like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia offer Canada PR Visa nominations to qualified overseas Software Engineers through regular draws under their Provincial Nominee Programs.

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