Top 10 IT Careers in Canada (with Salaries)
Move over Bay Area (also known as Silicon Valley), Canadian cities are now some of the world’s fastest-growing technology hubs. The massive expansion in Canada’s tech sector over the past decade correlates directly with the rise in demand for IT specialists. Those with the expertise in cloud engineering and other kinds of web development know all too well they can find a well-paid job with relative ease; creating a real challenge for hiring managers and recruiters across the country.
Our 2022 report on Canada’s most in-demand IT careers is based on data from our vast network that includes our clients, partners, and other leaders in the IT recruitment industry. Some of our research includes resources such as Payscale and reports by itbusiness.
For those looking to glean insights about the state of Canada’s need for skilled software engineers and developers, see our comprehensive list of the top ten most in-demand IT positions, with average, entry-level and top-level salaries.
#1 Software Engineer
Entry Level Salary: 53K
Median Salary: 74K
Top 10% Earn: 100K
Software is an indispensable part of our personal and professional lives. A wide range of industries depends on software engineers to drive their businesses. It’s no wonder that there is a huge demand for software engineers in the Canadian job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment, positions in software development are projected to grow 21% from now until 2028; much faster than average for other occupations. Although this is a U.S. statistic, the same trend is likely to be seen in the Canadian job market as well.
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Contact us#2 Development Operations (DevOps) Engineer
Entry Level Salary: 56K
Median Salary: 77K
Top 10% Earn: 102K
DevOps engineers are also known as Infrastructure Engineers or Systems Engineers. This is a multidisciplinary high-demand job that requires an ideal mix of hard and soft skills. DevOps are expected to be operational leaders – working to manage and maximize the potential of development and IT teams. They oversee and evaluate the efficiency of production and the release of new code.
#3 Software Architect
Entry Level Salary: 76K
Median Salary: 100K
Top 10% Earn: 129K
Not unlike a building architect, a software architect is a senior role that conceptualizes and oversees the execution of a higher-level vision. In short, they are the person drawing up the software blueprint. Usually occupied by experienced software programmers or engineers, this job is best suited to individuals who understand the ins and outs of how to build excellent and scalable software.
#4 Full Stack Developer
Entry Level Salary: 49K
Median Salary: 70K
Top 10% Earn: 96K
A full stack developer is the type of role that requires the wearing of many programmer hats. Full stack developers are expected to possess knowledge and experience in all stages of development—both the front and the back end—hence, the “full stack.” Making this a highly sought after job in the Canadian tech market.
#5 Front End Developer
Entry Level Salary: 42K
Median Salary: 60K
Top 10% Earn: 85K
When browsing and interacting with any website or application, you are experiencing first-hand the work of a front end developer. This is a crucial development role as everything the front end developer does impact the user’s immediate experience. Often working closely with designers—or themselves possessing design experience—front end developers play an indispensable role in the development of all software and applications.
#6 User Experience (UX) Designer
Entry Level Salary: 42K
Median Salary: 60K
Top 10% Earn: 82K
This hot tech job has been on the rise in Canada in recent years. According to a TechTalentBC Report, UX Designers are one of the top 10 occupations in the province, and expected to experience huge growth in the coming years. This unique job requires the balancing of technical skills with creative skills – making this job accessible to people from various backgrounds, not just technical ones.
#7 Technical Lead
Entry Level Salary: 53K
Median Salary: 90K
Top 10% Earn: 115K
A high level of responsibility underpins this high demand tech job. Technical leads require great management and leadership skills. Once again, this job requires a skillful balance of hard and soft skills. Naturals at communicating, problem-solving, tech leads are expected to question high-level issues impacting their team and business.
#8 Java Developer
Entry Level Salary: 48K
Median Salary: 67K
Top 10% Earn: 89K
Java is still one of the most widely used programming languages, and according to recent reports, Java remains as one of the top developer skills in Canada. Java developers are still in high demand across Canada. So, if you’re looking to get your foot into the tech world, Java development might be the first step in the right direction.
#9 Data Scientist
Entry Level Salary: 46K
Median Salary: 68K
Top 10% Earn: 108K
Data is the most valuable currency of the 21st century; which explains why it’s prime time to be a data professional. Data scientists require strong technical knowledge but also analytical and storytelling skills. Demand for these types of data-focused roles is currently soaring across industries in Canada. It’s no surprise, then, that Indeed recently ranked this multidisciplinary job as the fifth-best job in all of Canada!
#10 PHP Developer
Entry Level Salary: 42K
Median Salary: 56K
Top 10% Earn: 78K
PHP is a widely used web-programming language and remains a high-demand job in the tech industry. PHP developers are a specific type of programmers who possess specialized skills and experience with PHP. As a case in point, the U.S. Board of Labor Statistics predicts a 15% increase in demand for PHP developers by 2026.
Major US companies have their eyes set on Canada due to the talented workforce and the country’s commitment to growing the industry. In fact, Canada has been initiating work permit programs to encourage more IT talent from the U.S and abroad to meet the country’s insatiable demand for this sector of the labour market. For those looking to for an IT position, competitive salaries and opportunities are abundant. Moreover, many of these roles have what candidates are seeking – the ability to make an impact.
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