Computer engineering can provide a rewarding career if you enjoy math, physics, computer science, electricity, and electronics. Jobs as a web developer, software engineer, electronics engineer, or computer programmer are among the many options. 

Your salary depends on several factors, such as education, experience, and the industry. You’ll find opportunities in telecommunications, aerospace, government agencies, and many others.

Depending on the field of computer engineering you work in, you may be designing and testing software or hardware systems or working with other computer system professionals to develop information security systems.  

With plentiful options in this growing field, including opportunities with some of the top tech employers and in the best locations, finding a job as a computer engineer is a popular choice. Explore how much you can make as a computer engineer and how factors like education, experience, location, and where you work impact what you earn.

How much do computer engineers make?

According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the median hourly wage for a computer engineer is $46.63 CAD, roughly $96,990 CAD annually [1]. However, the average base salary for a computer engineer may range from about $76,000 CAD to $99,000 CAD, according to three salary aggregate websites. You can explore how the data breaks down [2, 3, 4]:

Additional pay insights may include profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses. The Government of Canada Job Bank predicts that the job outlook for computer engineers will remain mixed, with more available workers seeking employment than available jobs. 

Factors affecting salary

The salary you can expect to earn depends on your work field. Your level of education and experience will affect your earnings, industry, and location. Additional certifications and specializations can increase your earning potential, and if you are enrolled in a degree program, you may find an internship opportunity. 

Education

Job Bank Canada reports that a bachelor's degree is typically required to become a computer engineer and some employers require a master's degree. Most hardware engineers study computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering. Earning a more advanced degree may help you qualify for jobs with higher salaries.

According to Statistics Canada’s most recent data, the average salary in computer and information sciences is more than $2,000 CAD higher for a master’s degree holder than a bachelor’s degree ($79,100 CAD vs $81,400 CAD)[5].

Certifications and skills

You can seek certifications or improve your skills as a stepping-stone to further education or to enter the field. If you’re already working in a computer engineering position, certifications can help advance your career. 

Vendor certifications can increase your knowledge and skills and enhance your resume if you’re seeking a career as a computer engineer or want to advance in your current position. Some certifications include:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Payscale also offers insight into how different skills can affect how much you earn [4]:

• MuleSoft Mule ESB: 27 per cent higher

• Google Cloud Platform (GCP): 25 per cent higher

• Software Development: 23 per cent higher

• React Native: 13 per cent higher

• Spring: 13 per cent higher

• Cloud Computing: 10 per cent higher

• Ruby on Rails: 9 per cent higher

• Go (Golang) Programming Language: 9 per cent higher

• Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLT): 9 per cent higher

• Microsoft SQL Server: 11 per cent higher

Level of experience 

Entering the field of computer engineering typically requires a degree, preferably a minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a closely related field. However, even if you’re not able to earn a degree right away, experience gained through an internship or cooperative education (co-op) benefits your career search. 

A co-op allows students to take their regular studies and work at a full-time paid job in their field of study. Participating in a Co-op can offer you hands-on experience to add to your resume, and some schools also offer college credit.

You may also be able to apply for internships to add to your resume. Attending career recruitments can lead you to job opportunities that can provide you with experience to advance your career.  

As you gain experience, you will likely earn more money. Consider Payscale’s total salary breakdown based on years of experience [4]: 

• Less than 1 year of experience: $61,433 CAD

• 1–4: $72,094 CAD

• 5–9: $83,857 CAD

• 10–19: $91,503 CAD

• 20+: $100,650 CAD

Top companies

Another variable that can change how much you earn as a computer engineer is what company you work for. Typically, large corporations have higher earnings and benefits that a small company might not be able to offer. Glassdoor offers more insight into how your salary will vary at different employers [3]: 

• Toronto Metropolitan University: $70,000 CAD–$75,000 CAD

• IBM: $52,000 CAD–$85,000 CAD

• Amazon: $131,000 CAD–$160,000 CAD

• Innovative Development and Design Engineers: $70,000 CAD

• Agfa: $68,000 CAD–$86,000 CAD

Location and salary

Another factor affecting your computer engineer salary is where you live and work. According to Job Bank Canada, the median salaries across different areas of Canada are [1]: 

• British Columbia: $87,360 CAD

• Ontario: $93,600 CAD

• Quebec: $106,662 CAD

• Alberta: $86,008 CAD

• Saskatchewan: $92,747 CAD

• Nova Scotia: $91,728 CAD

Job title variations and salary

Many careers fall under computer engineering or can be a popular side step or upgrade. The salary you can expect to earn will depend on your job title. According to Talent, some alternate job titles you can pursue (and their average salaries) are [2]:

• Software engineer: $132,604

• .NET developer: $140,000

• Software development engineer: $124,203

• System engineer: $115,430

• Software developer: $104,829

• Operations manager: $95,000

Read more: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: What Are the Differences in These Roles

Learn more about computer engineering with Coursera

You can earn a high salary in a technologically advanced industry as a computer engineer. If you're new to the field, consider enrolling in a beginner-friendly, free online course like the Georgia Institute of Technology's Introduction to Engineering Mechanics. If you’re interested in earning a bachelor’s degree online, consider a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering offered by the University of London on Coursera.

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Introduction to Engineering Mechanics

This course is an introduction to learning and applying the principles required to solve engineering mechanics problems. Concepts will be applied in this ...

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