QA Engineer vs Software Engineer salary
In Canada, a qa engineer earns about 7% more than a software engineer — $124,954 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
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Technology
QA Engineer$124,954/yr
- Monthly
- $10,448
- Hourly
- $60
- Range
- $84,503–$174,442
- 10-yr outlook
- +20%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | QA Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $84,503 | $74,972 |
| 25th | $104,693 | $96,081 |
| Median | $124,954 | $117,189 |
| 75th | $149,663 | $142,956 |
| Senior (90th) | $174,442 | $168,723 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a qa engineer or software engineer earn more in Canada?
- A qa engineer earns more, at about $177,000 per year vs $166,000 for a software engineer — roughly 7% ($11,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A qa engineer typically earns $119,700–$247,100, 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 qa engineer averages about $14,800 and a software engineer about $13,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a qa engineer earns about $119,700 while a software engineer earns about $106,200 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a qa engineer earns about $247,100 while a software engineer earns about $239,000 per year.
- Are qa 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.