Pay by Role
Canada · Salary comparison

Network Engineer vs Software Engineer salary

In Canada, a network engineer earns about 10% more than a software engineer $128,484 vs $117,189 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CAD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Pays more
Technology
Network Engineer
$128,484/yr
Monthly
$10,731
Hourly
$62
Range
$86,833$179,383
10-yr outlook
+5%
Technology
Software Engineer
$117,189/yr
Monthly
$9,742
Hourly
$56
Range
$74,972$168,723
10-yr outlook
+17%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileNetwork EngineerSoftware Engineer
Entry (10th)$86,833$74,972
25th$107,658$96,081
Median$128,484$117,189
75th$153,898$142,956
Senior (90th)$179,383$168,723

National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Technology comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a network engineer or software engineer earn more in Canada?
A network engineer earns more, at about $182,000 per year vs $166,000 for a software engineer — roughly 10% ($16,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
A network engineer typically earns $123,000–$254,100, while a software engineer earns $106,200–$239,000 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
On a monthly basis before tax, a network engineer averages about $15,200 and a software engineer about $13,800.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in Canada, a network engineer earns about $123,000 while a software engineer earns about $106,200 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in Canada, a network engineer earns about $254,100 while a software engineer earns about $239,000 per year.
Are network engineer and software engineer similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.