15 Leading Information Technology (IT) Careers in Canada (2024)

Since our world relies more and more on technology, information technology (IT) careers are no longer just for tech start-ups and cable companies. Virtually every industry, from fast food to fashion, relies on technology to make their business work.

IT careers offer a diverse range of work, competitive salaries, and a wealth of available jobs and opportunities. There’s no better time to search for information technology jobs and get your career started. From Software Developer to Technical Support Specialist, we cover the 15 IT careers most in demand in Canada and the training, skills, and experience you need to land them. 

1. Senior Software Engineer

Average Base Salary: $124,811

Similar to a Developer or Programmer, a Senior Software Engineer is tasked with developing new or managing existing software products. Ideally, they have previous experience in software development and seeing projects through the lifecycle. The Senior Software Engineer often acts as the technical lead on a project, overseeing a team of Developers and Designers. 

Along with technical knowledge, the Senior Software Engineer should have strong communication skills, innovative solutions, and experience managing a team. If you’re looking for training to prepare you for the role, consider attending one of the best schools for computer science or a related field. Previous work experience as an Engineer, Manager, Developer, or Programmer is also extremely beneficial.

2. IT Project Manager

Average Base Salary: $124,479

As an IT Project Manager, you’d be in charge of overseeing a team of Developers, Analysts, Designers, and Engineers to ensure IT projects are completed on time and up to industry standards. Project Managers help take a project from the initiating process to planning, executing, controlling, and closing.

IT Project Managers should have:

• Solid technological understanding
• Strong communication skills
• Experience managing a team 

Formal education tracks for IT Project Managers may include management, business and business administration, computer science, and engineering. 

Our six-week Project Management Online Certificate is perfect for experienced students who want to advance their careers and upgrade their skills. The course teaches an overview of key concepts in project management and prepares students to take the CAPM exam through PMI©.

3. User Experience (UX) Designer

Average Base Salary: $110,768

UX Designers bridge the gap between Graphic Designers and Developers. They’re responsible for creating products that work, are easy to navigate, and are accessible to all users. This includes creating technical specifications that work with tools like screenwriting software and adding user-friendly design elements, such as creating an easy-to-navigate interface.

UX Designers conduct user research, create wireframes for the development team, and test the product. They should have a basic knowledge of programming and extensive knowledge of UX design software, such as Figma. A Bachelor’s Degree isn’t always necessary for UX Designers, but they should have practical experience, such as past graphic design work and certificates in coding or UX design.

4. DevOps Engineer

Average Base Salary: $100,233

A DevOps Engineer connects software development and operations at a company, overseeing product development. They have the technical skills necessary to communicate effectively with Developers and the operations experience to communicate with the operations team. They guide the product development lifecycle, setting up automated tasks and collaborating across teams for seamless product development.

DevOps Engineers need to know programming, the software lifecycle, project management, automation, and continuous integration (CI) pipelines. Because a DevOps Engineer is a more advanced role, you’ll likely need a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, practical software experience, certifications, and operations experience.

5. Back-End Developer

Average Base Salary: $98,499

Back-End Developers are Programmers who work on the internal parts of websites and products customers won’t see. They typically work in the website or product host, maintaining the data and code behind the scenes so the website or product functions correctly.

Back-End Developers may have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science or comparable practical experience. There are many different programming languages, databases, and web hosting tools available. You can’t be expected to know them all, but learn some popular ones like Python, JavaScript, and SQL for a good basis to start your job search.

6. Cloud Engineer

Average Base Salary: $96,921

A Cloud Engineer is one of the IT careers where you’re responsible for maintaining and managing cloud-based tools, software, or applications. They provide internal support for teams and ensure the cloud-based tools are optimized to run efficiently. Typically, Cloud Engineers will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and other certifications that show they’re familiar with common tools and best practices.

A Cloud Engineer needs to have experience with programming, cloud development systems, database management, and security knowledge. They must also be familiar with web services and APIs, as they use these skills and tools daily.

7. IT Auditor 

Average Base Salary: $87,345

An IT Auditor assesses a company’s information systems and infrastructure to ensure it adheres to all regulations and stays in compliance. They might oversee other IT staff, conduct IT risk assessments, and work with Data Analysts to spot any potential weaknesses.

IT Auditors are vital to a company’s security, so they usually want to see candidates with a relevant Bachelor’s Degree like Business Administration or Information Systems. IT Auditors typically need practical experience in a role such as a Systems Analyst or Database Administrator. Certifications like Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) are also beneficial for landing a new role.

8. Front-End Developer

Average Base Salary: $86,173

Front-End Developers are Programmers who work on the customer-facing parts of websites and products. They work with Graphic Designers, UX Designers, and Back-End Developers to ensure their projects look and function correctly. However, they only work on the customer side, such as implementing SEO best practices and developing the user interface.

Front-End Developers might have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, but this is another position where practical experience and certificates can make up for an alternative education background. For Front-End Developers, expert knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS is a must.

9. Developer/Programmer

Average Base Salary: $83,049

The role of a Software Developer or Programmer is exactly as it sounds — they are responsible for developing new or managing existing software products and programs. Working closely with Designers and Analysts, they apply fundamental programming concepts to write software programs. Developers and Programmers may work with several software programs, including Java, Python, .net, C#, C, and Oracle.

Technical training in software engineering, web programming and development, computer science, or mathematics is recommended for individuals looking to start a career in software development and programming.

Our Full Stack Web Developer Diploma program is a great place to start if you’re interested in a development role. We’ll teach you how to use the latest development languages and platforms to build comprehensive web solutions. After completing the 37-week program, you’ll have the skills to develop dynamic web applications and APIs as well as design, build, and maintain databases. 

10. Security Analyst

Average Base Salary: $80,006

Security Analysts handle all security-related issues on a company’s network or tools. Their role is to prevent, investigate, and resolve potential breaches to protect the company and its customers’ data. Employers typically look for applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, security certifications, and practical experience.

Security Analysts must be very comfortable with coding, programming, cybersecurity frameworks, and regulations to ensure the company stays in compliance. Entry-level cybersecurity jobs are a good start to work your way up to being a Security Analyst.

11. Technical Support Specialist

Average Base Salary: $77,838

Technical Support Specialists assist customers having issues with software products and applications. Although they work in a client-facing role, they also need exceptional knowledge of computer hardware and systems. Technical Support Specialists are problem-solvers with great attention to detail and a knack for dreaming up creative solutions. They must have strong listening skills and clear communication abilities. A background in customer service is a huge advantage for this position. 

If you take our Computer Support Technician Diploma program at our School of Technology, you’ll learn the tech support skills needed to assist a variety of customers, clients, and organizations. The program provides a general knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, software, and network operation and will help you develop skills in troubleshooting, problem-solving, and customer service.

12. Network Administrator

Average Base Salary: $75,366

Network Administrators monitor a company’s internal and external servers and ensure everything runs smoothly. There can be hundreds of employees working within the same network at any given time, so Administrators make sure connections are fast, secure, and without issue. This is foundationally important for getting work done in any office or industry. 

Network Administrators are often the experts in fixing problems behind the scenes. They require a very technical mind with extensive knowledge in troubleshooting a wide range of IT problems. Technical training combined with experience with a broad scope of networks and servers is crucial for a successful career as a Network Administrator. 

Our Network Security Technician Diploma program teaches students the basic concepts of computer hardware and operation, as well as network security concerns, and provides them with a deeper understanding of Windows Client Configuration, Microsoft, CompTIA, and Cisco. It’s the perfect program to prepare you for a career as a Network Administrator.

13. Data Analyst

Average Base Salary: $74,991

In a time when data is readily available in almost everything we do — from smartphones to our internet activity to the GPS in our car — the demand for collecting and analyzing data is greatly increasing. A Data Analyst must understand how to collect and read large amounts of data, look for patterns, reach conclusions, and provide valuable insight for companies in many industries.

To become a Data Analyst, you must be able to summarize large amounts of data into clear, concise reports for companies or organizations to utilize. Often, this data focuses on user activity and information, which can be incredibly valuable for a company wishing to learn more about customer behaviour and trends. Analysts work with data-collecting systems such as Microsoft Excel, SQL, and Google Analytics and must understand how to efficiently read data and then strategize based on their findings. 

14. IT Business Analyst

Average Base Salary: $65,261

IT Business Analysts are well-versed in both business administration and information technology. They connect the IT department and other areas of a company, improving the overall business by finding the right software and technology services. The IT Business Analyst’s main concern is addressing business needs and using technology to solve problems.

A strong background in business administration or marketing is useful for a career as an IT Business Analyst, as is a solid understanding of technologies and software. IT training and certification courses can help you build a foundational understanding if your educational background is more business-related than technical.

15. Quality Assurance Analyst

Average Base Salary: $64,355

Quality Assurance Analysts test websites and software for potential risks, problems, and malfunctions. They often QA test and play the role of the user, trying out new software before release to ensure the product is user-friendly and runs smoothly during application. As a Quality Assurance Analyst, tasks can be tedious and detail-oriented, so it’s important to be familiar with technology and software and have a sharp attention to detail. 

Quality Assurance Analysts typically come from an information technology background, although customer service and communications experience are also valuable for this role.

Robertson College offers a Data Analyst program where students learn what data analysis is and about basic data analysis trends. They will also be introduced to the data analysis process and its importance in helping a business make informed decisions.

FAQ

Read more about IT careers and why you might want one below.

What Jobs Can You Get With an Information Technology Education?

An IT education is versatile, allowing you to work in various technical roles such as a Developer, Data Analyst, Software Engineer, or Network Administrator.

Is Information Technology in Demand in Canada?

Yes, information technology is a growing field, with some IT jobs in high demand in Canada, including IT Project Managers, Data Analysts, and Developers.

What Is the Highest Paid IT Job in Canada?

Information technology offers some of the highest-paying jobs in Canada — salaries range from around $124,811 as a Senior Software Engineer to $64,355 as a Quality Assurance Analyst.

Is Information Technology Still a Good Career?

Yes, information technology can be an extremely fruitful career. If you’re interested in coding, learning new technologies, and being part of an engaging field, there are many different paths you can take to build a good IT career. Whether you work your way up from a Technical Support Specialist or start in a more senior role after your post-secondary education, there are many career opportunities in IT. 

Start Your Information Technology Career With Robertson

As more businesses turn digital and society’s reliance on technology deepens, Tech Developers, Analysts, and Specialists will soon be a crucial part of every company and organization. From developing entirely new software programs to troubleshooting and maintaining existing networks, IT careers are a challenging yet rewarding path. 

If you’re interested in the world of IT, consider doing your training through our School of Technology or School of Business. We’ll equip you with the proper skills and experience needed for many specialized positions so you can hit the ground running in your tech career.