The technology industry in Canada is growing very rapidly and contributes to the global technological environment. It is well known that Canada’s highly skilled and creative workers have made it a leader in fields such as artificial intelligence, software development, telecommunications, and clean technology.
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Many new and established companies, universities, and research institutions in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are advancing technological innovation. Canada is especially known for its advancements in artificial intelligence, a type of technology that allows computers to learn and improve independently. Through research and development, Canadian companies and institutions have made major contributions in this field, making it a global leader in AI technology.
Immigrants can find exciting and high-paying jobs in Canada’s tech and IT sectors. In this field, there is a growing demand for highly skilled professionals, and there are a variety of positions available. You may want to consider a career in Canada if you are interested in technology and looking for an opportunity for growth and opportunity.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) selects candidates for immigration through Express Entry. They give preference to candidates who have a good understanding of the French language or have work experience in particular industries:
- The healthcare industry
- Professions related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- Contractors, plumbers, and carpenters
- The transport sector
- Agri-food and agriculture
STEM recruitment will receive much more attention from the IRCC shortly. Between 28 percent and 31 percent of invitations issued through Express Entry are expected to go to people with recent experience in STEM jobs, such as software developers and data scientists.
Also, software engineers ranked among the top five occupations that received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
According to reports, the average IT job in Canada pays around 87,300 dollars annually, with the top 10% earning an average of $123,250.
The following is a list of higher-paying IT jobs that typically earn over $100,000 per year.
Cloud Architect
Cloud architects are important in establishing and maintaining a secure and dependable cloud computing environment. The experts use their expertise to design and plan the necessary infrastructure to guarantee the smooth operation of the cloud computing system.
To succeed in this position, a candidate must be familiar with the use of different types of technology and how they can work together to resolve problems. Typically, cloud architects earn between $106,000 and $140,000 per year in Canada, with additional benefits like bonuses also available.
IT Manager
Supervisors of IT departments are responsible for overseeing teams or departments of technical professionals, including specialists in information systems, networking, or help desks. To manage a team effectively, having strong communication skills and the ability to lead is crucial.
The compensation for an IT manager varies depending on several factors, including the specialization of the team, its size, and the organization they work for. In general, larger companies offer greater earning opportunities, with certain roles offering salaries in excess of $100,000 per year.
Data Scientists & Data Architects
In data science, any professional working with data, such as a scientist or analyst, may be called a “data scientist.” They are responsible for managing and analyzing data in structured and unstructured formats. A vital element of this process is determining whether data is relevant to a particular query or task, devising methods of storing and utilizing large datasets, identifying patterns or trends that can improve business processes and technology, and presenting critical information to stakeholders via visual aids such as charts and graphs.
Data scientists with more than five years of experience and a bachelor’s degree are likely to earn $100,000 or more per year.
Linux/Unix Administrator
There is a high demand for Linux/Unix administrators on the job market today as many companies rely on this platform for their day-to-day operations. Professionals in this position are responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining operating system parameters and settings. Moreover, they are responsible for monitoring the system’s performance to ensure it operates efficiently and effectively.
The annual salary range for Unix/Linux administrators in IT roles in Canada ranges from $90,000 to $120,000. As Linux becomes more popular, these IT roles will become even more common, making them a good career choice.
PMO Lead
Project Management Office (PMO) Leads are responsible for ensuring that project management processes and practices are monitored and improved within an organization. In this role, a PMO Lead is responsible for providing direction and guidance to project managers and their teams and ensuring that the project execution aligns with the organization’s strategic goals.
The PMO Lead is an integral team member who works closely with senior management to support and enhance portfolio management, resource allocation, and risk assessment processes. Typically, this position requires extensive experience in project management and certifications such as the PMP (Project Management Professional).
The compensation packages for Project Management Office (PMO) Leads are highly competitive, with salaries often exceeding $120,000 annually for entry-level positions. In the case of an experienced PMO Lead with a track record of success he or she can earn an income of up to $200,000.
Project Manager (Infrastructure)
The responsibility of a project manager is to oversee and manage construction or development projects, ensure that they are completed within budget constraints, and adhere to safety and legal requirements. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the maintenance of various aspects of a community’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, buildings, utilities, and other vital components. Through effective planning, implementation, and completion of infrastructure projects, they ensure the smooth operation of various community services.
The compensation structure for Infrastructure Project Managers depends on a few things, including the project’s size and location and the manager’s experience. In general, these professionals get competitive salaries, typically in the $100,000 range or more. The average income for experienced managers is $190,000.
Project Manager (Software)
An individual who manages software development projects oversees plans, executes, and delivers them. The role requires close collaboration with various teams, including software engineers, designers, quality assurance professionals, and stakeholders. In this role, the primary objective is to ensure that software projects are completed within the specified timeline, budget, and quality standards. The software project manager has a critical role in coordinating the efforts of a variety of teams to ensure that the desired functionality and requirements are met.
Compensation for software project managers can vary significantly based on factors like industry, location, and experience. Since there’s such a high demand for qualified professionals in the tech industry, project managers usually make over $100,000. If you’re an experienced and knowledgeable software project manager, your annual income can be over $170,000.
IT skills and qualifications
It is also essential to have relevant work experience. It is typical for high-paying IT jobs to require several years of experience in a related field. You may find it very valuable if you can demonstrate that you have managed projects, led teams, or implemented complex systems. A job candidate should be familiar with the specific technologies or platforms relevant to their role.
You’ll have a better chance of getting a job with a certification recognized by your industry. Here are some examples:
- CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
- Certified Cisco Network Professional (CCNP): An essential credential for network professionals.
- Certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect are crucial for cloud architects.
For individuals seeking IT jobs in Canada, there are several platforms and resources available to them. Many companies post IT job openings online through popular job sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Apart from that, tech professionals can also search specialized job boards like Dice Canada and Workopolis to find opportunities tailored to their specific needs.
Besides online job boards, attending career fairs, either virtually or in person, offers a valuable opportunity to communicate directly with recruitment managers and personnel. Also, it is recommended to explore the career pages of leading technology companies located in major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, which are the primary centers for the Canadian IT industry.