Software developers build software using programming and creative skills. They enjoy problem-solving and working as part of a team.
A software developer is a professional who designs and builds software applications. In this role, your job duties vary depending on your organization's business requirements. You also maintain and update existing code to ensure products work correctly and efficiently. Often, you work on a team with product managers, product designers, and other programmers.
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According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the median hourly pay for a software developer is $46.15 CAD, roughly $95,992 CAD annually. However, base pay in Canada may range from $59,800 CAD to $144,996 CAD, depending on various factors [1].
Other top salary websites give software developers a similar range of base salaries. Here’s how they breakdown:
Software development is vast and encompasses different specializations, such as fintech (tech companies in the finance industry), blockchain development, and mobile app development. Aside from specialized skills and expertise, several factors can affect a developer's annual salary.
Typically, the more hands-on experience you have as a developer, the higher your salary range will be. The following breakdown shows how salary can change at different levels of experience in software development [2]:
0–1 years: $64,324 CAD
1–3 years: $76,296 CAD
4–6 years: $81,607 CAD
7–9 years: $85,893 CAD
10–14 years: $88,753 CAD
15+ years: $94,462 CAD
Software engineer jobs vary greatly in title, responsibilities, and core compensation. Often, people use software developers and software engineers as interchangeable titles. However, these roles are different. The following list outlines a few more job titles in this industry with their respective total salaries, which include additional compensation such as bonuses and profit sharing:
Game developer: $64,236 CAD [5]
Application developer: $75,451 CAD [6]
Front-end developer: $70,148 CAD [8]
Full-stack developer: $74,044 CAD [9]
Software developers design, write, and test code while ensuring efficiency in all operations. Software developers may work in several industries, including computer software, computer and video game development firms, and information technology in the public or private sector. Some software developers are self-employed. Some common industries and their respective average base salaries include [2]:
Aerospace and defense: $75,090 CAD
Information technology: $75,412 CAD
Real estate: $73,252 CAD
Telecommunications: $78,174 CAD
Software developers work with a variety of technologies. Adding and improving your skills with various software programs, programming languages, workplace skills, and other techniques can potentially boost your salary. Some valuable skills include:
Continuous integration (CI)
Laravel web framework
Leadership
Apache Kafka
Elixir programming language
Microsoft Sharepoint server
Tableau software
Red Hat Ansible
OpenGL
Software architecture
Software developers create important programs that nearly everyone uses daily, including music platforms, video games, and text message apps. However, Job Bank Canada expects a shortage of jobs in the next decade. It predicts 80,500 new job openings between 2022 and 2031, with nearly 90,000 new job seekers looking to fill them [10].
Professional development is an effective way to secure a higher salary range. For example, consider supplementing your resume with professional certificates from industry leaders in the tech space.
You can also learn fundamental technical skills by enrolling in professional certificate programs that teach in-demand programming languages, which can also set you apart from other applicants.
Programming languages are the backbone of software development. As a developer, you might only need to use one or two languages, but the more you master, the more competitive you’ll be in the job market. Learn more about the most in-demand programming languages.
Python is an excellent language for beginners as it’s easy to understand. Often used for back-end web development, Python is one of the few programming languages with simple, easy-to-understand syntax rules, making it far easier to read than many other programming languages.
Java shouldn’t be confused with JavaScript. JavaScript is used to make web pages interactive. Java is a cross-platform program used to create interactive applications and browsers. It can be a complicated language to learn, but those with the skills are usually highly paid.
Structured Query Language (SQL) is used primarily for databases such as Microsoft Excel. Many businesses and organizations use databases to organize large quantities of data, so it’s an excellent skill.
C was one of the first programming languages created and remains a foundation for present-day languages. C is now more commonly used in hardware devices such as medical equipment and operating systems like Linux and Windows. C++ software developers often pick up other programming languages that rely on C’s core concepts quickly.
Interactive websites are exploding in popularity, and JavaScript is the programming language most used to give users that immersive, interactive experience. Unlike some programming languages, JavaScript will likely remain relevant far into the future as exciting new applications continue to be explored and a wide array of enterprises around the globe use the language.
If you're in the job market, consider enrolling in Mastering the Software Engineering Interview, offered on Coursera. You might also expand your developer skill set with a specialization like IBM's Full Stack Software Engineer Professional Certificate, also offered on Coursera. This Professional Certificate features lessons on the most practical, up-to-date skills for daily use as a software developer. You can also have the opportunity to learn valuable front-end development languages such as HTML and CSS and how to develop and scale applications using Cloud Native methodologies.
professional certificate
Turn Your Idea into a Funded Business. Develop, launch, fund and grow your own business
4.8
(5,103 ratings)
71,591 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 1 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Growth Strategies, Exit Strategy, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, Sales Presentation, Elevator Pitch, Strategic Management, Brand, Choosing Advisors, Brand Management, Discovery-Driven Planning, Planning, Marketing
Government of Canada Job Bank. “Software Developer in Canada, https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/22548/ca.” Accessed January 13, 2025.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Software Developer in Canada 2024 | Glassdoor, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/canada-software-developer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IN3_KO7,25.htm” Accessed January 13, 2025.
Payscale. “Average Software Developer Salary in Canada, https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Software_Developer/Salary.” Accessed January 13, 2025.
Talent.com. “Software Developer average salary in Canada, 2024, https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=software+developer.” Accessed January 13, 2025.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Game Developer in Canada 2024 | Glassdoor, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/canada-software-developer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IN3_KO7,25.htm” Accessed January 13, 2025.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Application Developer in Canada 2024 | Glassdoor, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/canada-application-developer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IN3_KO7,28.htm” Accessed January 13, 2025.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Back End Developer in Canada 2024 | Glassdoor, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/canada-back-end-developer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IN3_KO7,25.htm” Accessed January 13, 2025.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Front End Developer in Canada 2024 | Glassdoor, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/canada-front-end-developer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IN3_KO7,26.htm” Accessed January 13, 2025.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Full Stack Developer in Canada 2024 | Glassdoor, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/canada-full-stack-developer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IN3_KO7,27.htm” Accessed January 13, 2025.
Government of Canada Job Bank. “Software Developer in Canada | Job prospects - Job Bank, https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/22548/ca” Accessed January 13, 2025.
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