Software Engineer Salary in Toronto (2026)
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How much does software engineer in Toronto make?
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In 2026, Software Engineers in Toronto can expect salaries ranging from CAD 50,000 to CAD 270,000, with a median of CAD 128,750. This reflects Toronto's status as a major tech hub in Canada.
Key Facts
- Median Software Engineer salary in Toronto is CAD 128,750.
- Entry-level positions start at CAD 65,000 annually.
- GraphQL expertise can lead to salaries up to CAD 180,000.
- Toronto's cost of living index is 67.4.
- Top employers include Microsoft, Shopify, and IBM.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): CAD 65,000 – CAD 78,000
- Mid-Level (3–5 years): CAD 85,000 – CAD 110,000
- Senior (6+ years): CAD 115,000 – CAD 145,000
How Toronto Compares
Toronto's cost of living index is 67.4, higher than cities like Montreal (62.5) but lower than Vancouver (69.5). This positions Toronto as a moderately expensive city for tech professionals.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in GraphQL, Java, Python, Machine Learning, and AWS can significantly enhance earning potential, with GraphQL expertise commanding up to CAD 180,000.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top tech companies in Toronto offer competitive benefits, including flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and comprehensive health plans.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, focus on developing in-demand skills like GraphQL and Machine Learning. Additionally, consider opportunities at leading tech companies known for competitive compensation and benefits.
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Software Engineer Insights — Toronto
Software Engineer salaries in Toronto range from CA$50,000 to CA$270,000, a 171% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of CA$128,750 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
Toronto's cost of living index of 45/100 means relatively affordable living costs compared to major tech centers. A CA$128,750 median gives software engineer professionals here strong purchasing power that stretches further than the same salary in cities like San Francisco or Zurich.
The hiring landscape for software engineer in Toronto is anchored by employers like Microsoft, Shopify, and IBM, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for software engineer in Toronto centers around expertise in GraphQL, Java, Python, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the CA$270,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Backend Engineer or Frontend Engineer.
Related Roles in Toronto
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Manager | Toronto | CA$87,379 - CA$166,193 | CA$108,581 |
| Full Stack Developer | Toronto | CA$90,000 - CA$150,000 | CA$102,866 |
| Frontend Engineer | Toronto | CA$75,000 - CA$150,000 | CA$120,000 |
| ML Engineer | Toronto | CA$110,000 - CA$175,000 | CA$135,000 |
| Software Engineer | Vancouver | CA$87,168 - CA$136,322 | CA$115,614 |
| Software Engineer |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Software Engineer in Toronto?
The average salary for a Software Engineer in Toronto is approximately CAD 128,750 per year.
Which skills can increase my salary as a Software Engineer in Toronto?
Skills such as GraphQL, Java, Python, Machine Learning, and AWS are highly valued and can lead to higher salaries.
How does Toronto's cost of living compare to other Canadian cities?
Toronto's cost of living index is 67.4, higher than Montreal's 62.5 but lower than Vancouver's 69.5.
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for software engineer in Toronto is compiled from multiple verified sources including:
- Public salary reports from major tech employers (FAANG, Fortune 500, and high-growth startups)
- Government labor statistics and occupational wage surveys
- Aggregated self-reported compensation data from verified professionals
- Job posting analysis from major tech job boards and company career pages
All figures represent base salary in CAD and are normalized to annual equivalents. Ranges reflect the 25th to 75th percentile of reported compensation, while median values represent the 50th percentile. Data is updated quarterly to reflect current market conditions.
Last updated: April 2026 | Sample size: Varies by role and location (minimum 30 data points required for publication)