Median annual salary: $119,933 · Range: $77,376 – $177,965 · Source: Government of Canada Job Bank (NOC 21231)
Annual figures assume 2,080 paid hours/year (40 hrs × 52 wks). Regional multiplier 0.93× 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 Quebec City, QC:
| Experience | Low | Median | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $58,000 | $99,000 | $160,000 | |
| Mid-Level (3–6 years) | $74,000 | $123,000 | $196,000 | |
| Senior (7–12 years) | $85,000 | $144,000 | $231,000 | |
| Expert / Executive (12+ years) | $97,000 | $171,000 | $285,000 |
Software engineers in Québec City, QC command premium compensation relative to the national median, driven by US-benchmarked tech firms and financial institutions competing for the same candidate pool.
Quebec City is Quebec's provincial capital, with the largest employer being the provincial government. Insurance (Desjardins Group, La Capitale), defence (Davie Shipbuilding, Saab), and optics/photonics industries round out the economy. Bilingualism in French is effectively mandatory across most professional roles. Salaries are lower than Montreal but cost of living is proportionally less.
Top hiring sectors:
Notable employers: Intact Financial IT, CGI Group, SAP Canada, Videotron, National Defence (DRDC), Beneva
Based on Government of Canada Job Bank data (NOC 21231, 2024), the median annual salary for a Software Engineer in Quebec City, QC is approximately $119,933. The typical range runs from $77,376 at the 25th percentile to $177,965 at the 75th percentile, depending on experience, employer size, and specialization.
Below the national average. Quebec City, QC's regional wage multiplier is 0.93× 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 Quebec City, QC, the dominant employers for this role are in government and insurance & finance, 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 $119,933/yr places you at the 50th percentile for this occupation in Quebec City, 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 Quebec City, QC, the top sectors hiring Software Engineers include government and insurance & finance, 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.
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ATS keywords, formatting tips, and before/after examples for software engineer resumes.