ABM College’s Software Development Online Course will get you ready for a successful career in the field in only 56 weeks, including a practicum. It will give you the training and help you acquire highly in-demand skills including programming languages.
1. How Much Does An Entry-Level Software Developer Make?
There’s no doubt that software developers are high in demand in the workforce. They are
very important to the information technology sector and needed by various organizations
and industries. Not only that, software developers also get paid fairly well for the work
that they do. In this blog, we’ll go through what the role of a software developer is, how
much you can start making as an entry-level professional in this field, and how to get
started.
What Does a Software Developer do?
The key role of software developers involves using their knowledge of programming
languages to design the programs. They run tests to optimize the software, analyze the
features and concepts, design software functions and solutions to bug fixes. It’s not just
all about writing code, but also understanding the intention and structure of the software.
Since they focus on smaller computing tasks, they can be as specific and creative as they
want when it comes to the aspects, or specialize in a particular area.
The main duties include:
● Integrate, modify, write software code, and test it for applications and e-commerce.
● Create software for special effects in film and video applications.
● Research and evaluate different types of software products.
● Create manuals and reports about the operation and maintenance of software.
● Program animation software to predefined specifications such as for CDs, DVDs,
video game cartridges, and Internet applications.
How Much Does an Entry-level Software Developer Make?
For entry-level software developer jobs in Calgary, the average base pay is $53,166 per
year ($27 per hour) according to Glassdoor for junior software developers in the area. On
the lower end, they could make 39,000 or up to 72,000 per year on the higher end ($20
per hour and $37 per hour respectively). In terms of additional cash compensation or a
bonus, it could range from approximately $1,500 to $10,400, with the average being
$3,900.
Remember that these numbers are just for entry-level positions. When you gain more
experience and have more work to show, your salary can increase significantly. When
you get a few more years of experience, you can make on average approximately $79,000
2. per year ($40 per hour) as a mid-level software developer and on average about $105,000
per year ($54 per hour) as a senior software developer.
Software developers in Alberta can make more than their counterparts in other provinces
across the country. See how these numbers compare with the rest of Canada for a
software developer’s salary:
Community/Area
Wages ($/hour)
Low Median High
Canada 23.00 38.46 57.69
Alberta 23.08 38.46 62.50
British Columbia 26.44 43.27 60.10
Manitoba 22.50 36.06 49.38
New Brunswick 20.19 34.00 57.69
Newfoundland and Labrador 21.00 36.06 43.96
Northwest Territories N/A N/A N/A
Nova Scotia 20.19 32.52 58.65
Nunavut N/A N/A N/A
Ontario 24.00 40.00 57.69
3. Prince Edward Island 18.00 30.00 42.00
Quebec 21.00 35.00 51.28
Saskatchewan 23.00 36.00 53.42
Yukon Territory N/A N/A N/A
*Information from Software Developer in Canada | Wages - Job Bank
Software developers have a great salary trajectory, even if they start on the lower end at
entry-levels or junior positions. With negotiations and different jobs offering more
depending on your expertise, you can end up gaining a salary in the six figures. Unlike
with other professions, an entry-level software developer’s salary will not stay stagnant,
but rather will increase, develop, and stay flexible over time.
The salary range presented is different from a software engineer’s salary, as becoming a
software engineer requires more education and certifications. Engineers are provincially
regulated, whereas software developers are not, and developers are more focused on
the creative side of the work.
How to Become a Software Developer
The best and fastest way to start your career in software development is with a software
development diploma. Typically one to two years long, software development programs
can help you gain the right skills and experience to excel in the industry, even if you have
no prior background knowledge. So, whether you’re looking for a new career or a career
change, taking a post-secondary program in this field can help you achieve your goals.
You can also upgrade your skills at any time throughout your career.
ABM College’s Software Development Online Course will get you ready for a successful
career in the field in only 56 weeks, including a practicum. It will give you the training and
help you acquire highly in-demand skills including programming languages such as C,
C++, C#, Python, Java, JavaScript, and more to land you the well-paying job that you’re
looking for. Contact us today to find out how you can get started.