Median annual salary: $123,802 · Range: $79,872 – $183,706 · Source: Government of Canada Job Bank (NOC 21231)
Annual figures assume 2,080 paid hours/year (40 hrs × 52 wks). Regional multiplier 0.96× applied to national Job Bank wage data.
Software engineers apply engineering principles to large-scale system design. Roles often include system architecture, performance optimization, and technical leadership. Demand is highest in fintech, healthtech, and cloud infrastructure.
Select an experience level for a detailed breakdown with negotiation advice specific to Montreal, QC:
| Experience | Low | Median | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $60,000 | $102,000 | $165,000 | |
| Mid-Level (3–6 years) | $76,000 | $127,000 | $202,000 | |
| Senior (7–12 years) | $88,000 | $149,000 | $239,000 | |
| Expert / Executive (12+ years) | $100,000 | $176,000 | $294,000 |
Software engineers in Montreal command premium compensation relative to the national median, driven by US-benchmarked tech firms and financial institutions competing for the same candidate pool.
Montreal is Canada's AI research capital, home to Mila (the world's largest academic AI lab), as well as a globally significant video game industry anchored by Ubisoft, EA, and Eidos. Salaries benchmark slightly below Ontario for most professional roles, partially offset by lower living costs and income tax credits for R&D workers. Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset in most sectors.
Top hiring sectors:
Notable employers: Ubisoft, CAE, National Bank Digital, Lightspeed Commerce, Coveo, Behaviour Interactive, Adobe Research
Based on Government of Canada Job Bank data (NOC 21231, 2024), the median annual salary for a Software Engineer in Montreal, QC is approximately $123,802. The typical range runs from $79,872 at the 25th percentile to $183,706 at the 75th percentile, depending on experience, employer size, and specialization.
Below the national average. Montreal, QC's regional wage multiplier is 0.96× the national benchmark for this occupation. The national median for Software Engineer is approximately $128,960/yr before regional adjustment.
The primary drivers are years of experience, employer size, industry sector, and professional certifications or designations. In Montreal, QC, the dominant employers for this role are in ai & research and video games & vfx, which set the market rate locally. Specialization and a track record of measurable outcomes are the fastest paths to the upper end of the range.
The median Software Engineer salary of $123,802/yr places you at the 50th percentile for this occupation in Montreal, QC. Given Quebec's cost of living, this provides a comfortable lifestyle for individuals and a reasonable foundation for a household. Use the JobCoach AI Salary Benchmarker to compare your specific situation against current market data.
Come prepared with market data (this guide plus at least two additional sources), a concise summary of your impact in previous roles, and a specific target number — not a range. In Montreal, QC, the top sectors hiring Software Engineers include ai & research and video games & vfx, where competing offers are the strongest leverage. Always negotiate total compensation, not just base salary.
Enter your role, city, and experience level for a personalized Canadian salary benchmark — with negotiation context built in.
Get my salary benchmark →How to Tailor Your Resume for a Software Engineer Role
ATS keywords, formatting tips, and before/after examples for software engineer resumes.