Software Engineer Salary in Vancouver (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does software engineer in Vancouver make?
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In 2026, Software Engineers in Vancouver earn an average annual salary of CA$115,614, with compensation ranging from CA$87,168 for entry-level positions to CA$136,322 for senior roles.
Key Facts
- Average Software Engineer salary in Vancouver: CA$115,614
- Entry-level positions start at CA$87,168 annually
- Senior roles can earn up to CA$136,322 per year
- Top-paying skills include PostgreSQL and Python
- Vancouver's cost of living index is 69.5
Salary by Experience Level
- Junior Software Engineer: CA$87,168 per year
- Mid-Level Software Engineer: CA$105,027 per year
- Senior Software Engineer: CA$136,322 per year
How Vancouver Compares
Vancouver's average Software Engineer salary of CA$115,614 is competitive within Canada. For instance, in Toronto, the average salary is slightly lower at CA$110,000. However, Vancouver's cost of living index is 69.5, higher than Toronto's 67.4, indicating a more expensive living environment.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in certain technologies can significantly boost earning potential. In Vancouver, skills such as PostgreSQL (CA$155,000), Python (CA$150,000), and Machine Learning (CA$125,000) are highly valued.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top tech companies in Vancouver, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Atlassian, offer competitive salaries along with benefits like flexible work arrangements, comprehensive health insurance, and opportunities for professional development.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential in Vancouver's tech industry, focus on developing high-demand skills such as PostgreSQL and Python. Additionally, consider opportunities with top companies known for competitive compensation and benefits.
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Software Engineer Insights — Vancouver
Software Engineer salaries in Vancouver range from CA$87,168 to CA$136,322, a 43% spread indicating moderate variation depending on seniority and employer. The median of CA$115,614 sits near or above the midpoint, indicating strong market demand pushing compensation upward.
Vancouver's cost of living index of 46/100 means relatively affordable living costs compared to major tech centers. A CA$115,614 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 Vancouver is anchored by employers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Atlassian, along with 2 other notable employers. These employers offer competitive packages that generally align with market rates, with differentiation coming through benefits, growth opportunities, and work flexibility.
Demand for software engineer in Vancouver centers around expertise in PostgreSQL, Python, Machine Learning, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the CA$136,322 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like DevOps Engineer or Data Scientist.
Related Roles in Vancouver
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Toronto | CA$50,000 - CA$270,000 | CA$128,750 |
| Senior Software Engineer | Düsseldorf | €75,000 - €120,000 | €85,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | Frankfurt | €85,000 - €130,000 | €95,000 |
| Software Engineer | New York | $89,328 - $232,974 | $159,554 |
| Software Engineer | Düsseldorf | €52,000 - €95,000 | €68,000 |
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Compare software engineer compensation across different locations
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Software Engineer in Vancouver?
The average annual salary for a Software Engineer in Vancouver is CA$115,614.
Which skills can increase a Software Engineer's salary in Vancouver?
Skills like PostgreSQL, Python, and Machine Learning are highly valued and can significantly boost a Software Engineer's salary in Vancouver.
How does Vancouver's cost of living compare to other Canadian cities?
Vancouver has a cost of living index of 69.5, higher than Toronto's 67.4, indicating a more expensive living environment.
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for software engineer in Vancouver 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)