Software Engineer vs Systems Administrator salary
In Canada, a software engineer earns about 7% more than a systems administrator — $117,189 vs $109,423 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
Software Engineer$117,189/yr
- Monthly
- $9,742
- Hourly
- $56
- Range
- $74,972–$168,723
- 10-yr outlook
- +17%
Technology
Systems Administrator$109,423/yr
- Monthly
- $9,107
- Hourly
- $53
- Range
- $75,961–$150,369
- 10-yr outlook
- +4%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Software Engineer | Systems Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $74,972 | $75,961 |
| 25th | $96,081 | $92,692 |
| Median | $117,189 | $109,423 |
| 75th | $142,956 | $129,896 |
| Senior (90th) | $168,723 | $150,369 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a software engineer or systems administrator earn more in Canada?
- A software engineer earns more, at about $166,000 per year vs $155,000 for a systems administrator — roughly 7% ($11,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A software engineer typically earns $106,200–$239,000, while a systems administrator earns $107,600–$213,000 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a software engineer averages about $13,800 and a systems administrator about $12,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a software engineer earns about $106,200 while a systems administrator earns about $107,600 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a software engineer earns about $239,000 while a systems administrator earns about $213,000 per year.
- Are software engineer and systems administrator 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.