Technology professionals with the right set of skills have many options in the current employment market in Canada, despite the economic challenges across the nation. Whether you’re an applications architect or data security analyst, there is a demand for highly skilled specialists to fill the highest-paying jobs in tech in 2024.According to the latest Robert Half Canada Salary Guide, recruiting for jobs in tech is remaining resilient and active, as employers are hiring technology professionals at or beyond pre-pandemic levels. Many tech leaders are also increasing salaries or offering bonuses to keep top performers and attract top talent; keeping in line with other industries and job market sentiment across Canada.Skilled tech talent is hard to find, and as a result companies are relaxing hiring requirements. What does that mean for candidates looking for jobs in tech in Canada? Employers are looking to hire and train less-experienced but high-potential candidates.To help candidates looking for a career in IT and technology, Robert Half Canada has pulled together a list of the top 15 highest paying jobs in tech, below Director or Executive level, for 2024 that Canadian job seekers can leverage during their search.
1. ERP Technical/Functional AnalystBusiness partners collaborate with these tech experts to examine, design and implement robust employer solutions, document system requirements, develop functional design documentation, configure solutions, and ensure thorough testing to meet customer expectations. These professionals must have excellent problem-solving techniques, as they partner with IT colleagues to develop and implement new solutions to help optimize company processes. A bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field is typically required, with additional requirements varying by position, and often include multiple years of experience working closely with the employer’s preferred ERP solutions.See full salary range and open roles for ERP Technical/Functional Analyst2. Applications ArchitectThese tech pros design the main parts of applications, including the user interface, middleware and infrastructure. In addition to strong technical abilities, applications architects need to work well on teams — and sometimes manage them. Excellent communication and planning skills are required for this job. This is one of the highest-paying IT roles because just about every company wants to improve existing applications or create new ones.See full salary range and open roles for Applications Architect3. Senior Software EngineerThese experts analyze and translate business requirements into technical solutions. They work on the end-to-end cycle or more complex platform components, often communicating complex technical ideas across teams and maintaining documentation of software specifications. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related discipline, and many senior software engineers have a post-graduate qualification such as a Master’s degree. Specific programming language knowledge is required for this position, as are strong communication skills.See full salary range and open roles for Senior Software Engineer
4. AI ArchitectThese professionals design, implement, and maintain secure and stable AI solutions using leading AI technology frameworks. They align AI use cases with business strategies, KPIs, and other business metrics. Partnering with programmers, they leverage relevant APIs to build new apps to run on AI platforms while also monitoring current and future trends and advancements in AI, machine learning, and other emerging technologies for the business. A master’s degree in computer science, data science or AI is usually a minimum requirement for this role. Many employers look for candidates with expertise in big data, analytics and data science. Change management skills, strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaborative abilities are strong soft-skills for this role.See full salary range and open roles for AI Architect5. Data ArchitectThese tech professionals are responsible for the complicated processes essential to making strategic business decisions. They translate business requirements into database solutions and oversee data storage (data centers) and how the data is organized. Ensuring the security of those databases is part of the job as well. The role requires strong analytical and creative skills, along with in-depth knowledge of data systems and database methodology, design and modeling. Employer’s look for a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, as well as experience with Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server or other databases in various operating system environments.See full salary range and open roles for Data Architect6. Data EngineerBusinesses need individuals who can transform large amounts of raw data into actionable information for strategy-setting, decision making and innovation. These professionals typically create a company’s software and hardware architecture, and the systems people need to work with the data. Big data engineers usually have a degree in computer science and expertise in mathematics and databases.See full salary range and open roles for Data Engineer7. Network/Cloud ArchitectWith excellent technical problem-solving skills, network/cloud architects plan, design and upgrade network and cloud projects. They’re a technology team’s go-to resource for solving problems with a network’s architecture and providing recommendations for system enhancements. Network/cloud architects should have several years of experience with network and cloud technologies and have strong communication skills.See full salary range and open roles for Network/Cloud Architect8. Information Systems Security ManagerNow more than ever, employers need skilled IT security professionals to help keep sensitive data and systems safe. Successful candidates for this job in tech possess a technical background in systems and network security and have great interpersonal and leadership abilities. Analytical and problem-solving skills are key, as are excellent communication abilities. These IT pros also need to keep up with security trends and government regulations. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science or a related discipline, employers often request certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or CompTIA Security+.See full salary range and open roles for Information Systems Security Manager.9. Software and Applications ManagerManagers in this role direct all aspects of software and applications development processes, and hiring, training, and guiding development staff. Designing development and systems analysis to create new applications or install and implement software purchased from vendors is a key responsibility as well as evaluating programs for efficiency and documentation. They also help businesses establish software development standards and processes to implement best practices for scalable and high-quality software implementation. Employers look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in the technology field, four years of IT experience and two to three years of experience managing a development team.See full salary range and open roles for Software and Applications Manager10. Data Security AnalystData security analysts must thoroughly understand computer and network security, including firewall administration, encryption technologies and network protocols. The job also requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills and knowledge of trends in security and government regulations. In additional to a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, a professional certification, such as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designation, is beneficial for this role.See full salary range and open roles for Data Security Analyst11. Technology Consulting ManagerTechnology consulting managers work under the direction of the CIO and consulting director, to oversee a multi-skilled team that may include programmers, data scientists and security experts. They might work as a practice manager, guiding a team on a day-to-day basis, or as a project manager focusing on specific deliverables. The job requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to perform under pressure. Managers also need experience working within the relevant team methodology, such as Agile or DevOps, and should have a bachelor’s degree. A professional certification, such as Project Management Professional (PMP), is often desirable.See full salary range and open roles for Technology Consulting Manager12. IT Operations ManagerThis role takes on managing IT specialist in an organization and together they help manage the business’ technology projects. They collaborate with departments across the company to develop materials and procedures such as new initiatives, training systems, and general company wide tech updates. They also work with external vendors for sourcing IT services and software. Like other tech leader roles, this job in tech requires great organizational, interpersonal and communication skills on the job.See full salary range and open roles for IT Operations Manager13. Security ArchitectA Security Architect is responsible for designing, building, testing and implementing security systems within an organisation’s IT network. They are expected to have a thorough understanding of complex IT systems and stay up to date with the latest security standards, systems and authentication protocols, as well as best practice security products. A bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science or related field is highly desirable and some employers may require additional advanced security qualifications such as SABSA (Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture) or CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certifications.See full salary range and open roles for Security Architect14. Database ManagerDatabase managers maintain and support a firm’s database environment, helping companies use data more strategically to meet their business goals. They often manager a team of IT professionals who handle tasks such as configuring database systems or database programming. Database managers are especially needed in large organizations that have high volumes of data to manage. These pros must possess strong leadership and strategic planning skills.See full salary range and open roles for Database Manager15. DevOps EngineerDevOps engineers are the bridge between coding and engineering. These professionals work across departments to help increase a company’s productivity by developing and improving various IT systems. DevOps engineers often need experience with coding languages, software engineering and security systems, and strong analytical, problem-solving and collaboration skills. Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering, and several years of experience in automating applications, deploying infrastructure, and developing and administrating services using cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS).See full salary range and open roles for DevOps EngineerNeed help finding your next job in tech in 2024? At Robert Half Canada, our talent solutions professionals are here to help. Connect with our team of experts today.
