Canada’s technology sector continues to be one of the country’s strongest economic pillars heading into 2026. High-paying IT jobs in Canada, such as AI and Machine Learning Engineers, Cloud Architects, and Cybersecurity Specialists, continue to see wage growth, with employers across major cities actively competing for skilled talent.
Despite global economic shifts, Canada’s labour market remains resilient, especially in technology roles. Technology employment in Canada reached an estimated 1.45 million workers in 2024 and is forecast to grow to about 1.46 million in 2025, accounting for roughly 6.8 % of the total workforce. Net tech jobs have expanded by nearly 290,500 roles since 2019, with continued demand projected into 2026.
Top 10 High-Paying IT Jobs in Canada (2026)
Role Overviews
Cloud Architect
Average Salary: Monthly: CAD $9,000 – $14,200; Yearly: CAD $108,000 – $170,000
Cloud Architects plan, design, and manage cloud computing frameworks that support large-scale digital transformation initiatives across organisations. Rising demand for cloud security and scalable architecture has contributed to a 25% increase in salaries for this role.
Why It’s In Demand: With 55.6% of total ICT spending directed toward cloud deployments, professionals skilled in AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform command premium pay. The sector continues to grow at nearly 15% annually.
AI / Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: Monthly: CAD $9,700 – $15,800; Yearly: CAD $116,000 – $190,000
AI and Machine Learning Engineers develop intelligent systems powering applications such as recommendation engines, automation tools, and autonomous technologies, placing them among the most high-paying IT jobs in Canada.
Why It’s In Demand: Canada has seen a 37% surge in demand for core AI skills since 2018. Continued investment under the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy and leadership from institutes like Vector, Mila, and Amii position Canada at the forefront of global AI research.
Cybersecurity Specialist
Average Salary: Monthly: CAD $6,900 – $11,700; Yearly: CAD $83,000 – $140,000
Cybersecurity Specialists safeguard digital infrastructure by preventing cyber threats, securing cloud environments, and protecting sensitive organisational data.
Why It’s In Demand: IT security roles are growing at an 11.2% CAGR as remote work expands and cyber threats become more sophisticated, making cybersecurity expertise essential across all Canadian industries.
Data Scientist
Average Salary: Monthly: CAD $6,750 – $10,600; Yearly: CAD $81,000 – $127,000
Data Scientists analyse complex datasets to generate insights, predictive models, and strategic intelligence that support high-level business decision-making.
Why It’s In Demand: Data-driven operations now underpin finance, healthcare, retail, and technology sectors, with Canadian employers offering premium salaries for advanced analytics and problem-solving expertise.
Software Developer
Average Salary: Monthly: CAD $5,500 – $8,600; Yearly: CAD $66,000 – $103,000
Software Developers design, build, and maintain applications across platforms, earning an average of $82,336 per year and forming the backbone of Canada’s tech workforce.
Why It’s In Demand: Increased investment in AI integration, Web3 technologies, and mobile platforms continues to drive consistent demand for software development skills across all sectors.
DevOps Engineer
Average Salary: Monthly: CAD $7,500 – $10,800; Yearly: CAD $90,000 – $130,000
DevOps Engineers optimize software development and deployment pipelines through automation, system integration, and performance monitoring, with combined DevOps and cloud roles earning well above national averages.
Why It’s In Demand: As organisations adopt agile development and continuous deployment practices, 53% of Canadian companies are investing in upskilling to address critical DevOps skill shortages.
Full Stack Developer
Average Salary: Monthly: CAD $5,300 – $8,250; Yearly: CAD $64,000 – $99,000
Full Stack Developers work across both front-end and back-end systems, building complete, scalable web and application solutions that support both user experience and system performance.
Why It’s In Demand: Canada’s startup ecosystem, SaaS firms, and mid-sized tech companies value full stack developers for their versatility, ability to manage entire application lifecycles, reduce hiring overhead, and accelerate product development in competitive markets.
IT Project Manager
Average Salary: Monthly: CAD $6,600 – $9,900; Yearly: CAD $79,000 – $119,000
IT Project Managers oversee technology initiatives by managing teams, budgets, timelines, risks, and overall technical delivery across complex environments.
Why It’s In Demand: Large-scale digital transformation, cloud migration, and public-sector modernisation projects across Canada require experienced leaders who can align technical execution with business goals, compliance standards, and budget constraints.
Solutions Architect
Average Salary: Monthly: CAD $8,000 – $13,600; Yearly: CAD $97,000 – $163,000
Solutions Architects design end-to-end technology frameworks by assessing existing systems and selecting the most effective software, cloud, and infrastructure solutions.
Why It’s In Demand: As Canadian enterprises integrate cloud platforms, AI tools, and legacy systems, solutions architects are critical for ensuring scalability, security, cost efficiency, and long-term alignment with business strategy.
Business Systems Analyst
Average Salary: Monthly: CAD $5,800 – $9,400; Yearly: CAD $70,000 – $113,000
Business Systems Analysts bridge the gap between business operations and IT teams by translating organisational requirements into technical specifications and system improvements.
Why It’s In Demand: Ongoing digital transformation across Canadian industries has increased demand for professionals who can ensure technology investments deliver measurable business value, process efficiency, and operational clarity.
Canada’s Tech Hubs: Where Innovation Thrives
Canada’s leading tech hubs continue to drive innovation and attract talent:
Toronto: Added 95,900 tech jobs in the last five years, with 285,000+ skilled tech workers and 24,000 tech companies. Major players include Google, Microsoft, Shopify, and the Vector Institute for AI research.
Vancouver: Growing cloud, gaming, and digital media industries, home to over 120,000 tech workers and dozens of high-growth startups.
Montreal: Leading AI research hub with strong university networks and startups, hosting companies like Element AI and Lightspeed.
Calgary: Expanding in cloud services and energy-tech, with innovative solutions for resource and energy companies.
Ottawa: Specialises in ICT, cybersecurity, and government tech solutions, employing tens of thousands in high-tech roles.
These hubs offer high-paying roles, networking opportunities, and strong career growth for IT professionals.
Latest Market Stats 2026
88% of Canadian tech leaders report difficulty finding qualified candidates, and about 45% are actively hiring for permanent roles.
Tech employment grew by over 27,000 jobs in 2024 and is expected to expand further in 2025, with long-term projections out to 2030.
The median tech worker wage (~$97,000 CAD) remains substantially above the national median wage.
Strategic immigration pathways like Global Talent Stream (work permits in ~10 days) and Express Entry help international professionals enter the market faster.
Major tech hubs, including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa, continue to attract global investment and talent.
Benefits of Working in Canada’s IT Sector
Strong Job Security: With ongoing digital transformation across sectors, high-paying IT jobs in Canada remain stable and continue to grow even during economic uncertainty, with tech employment forecast to expand about 1.77x faster than overall employment in the next decade.
High Earning Potential: Specialised technical skills, particularly in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, command premium compensation as employers compete to close talent gaps.
Flexible Work Models: Remote and hybrid work remains strong in tech, with many companies offering flexible schedules and distributed opportunities.
Clear Career Advancement: Employers invest in upskilling and leadership training, enabling professionals to grow into senior technical or management roles.
High Quality of Life: Canada offers universal healthcare, safe cities, strong public services, and multicultural communities, benefits that attract talent globally.
These high-paying roles in Canada reflect the country’s long-term commitment to innovation and digital growth. With rising demand and competitive salaries, professionals skilled in artificial intelligence, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and software leadership can expect outstanding opportunities and stability within Canada’s thriving tech ecosystem.