As organizations accelerate enterprise-wide digital transformation and modernization, demand is rising for tech and IT professionals skilled in AI, cybersecurity, data analytics and ERP systems. Competitive salaries remain a key lever for attracting top candidates capable of driving business-critical initiatives powered by technology.

Many large firms may adhere to fixed pay grids, but smaller organizations often rely on flexibility and role design to compete for top talent. Regardless of size, any employer hiring for tech roles in 2026 must be ready to offer compelling salary packages as part of a total rewards strategy that appeals to highly skilled professionals.

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Salaries by job category

The salaries below default to national averages. Select a job category and city to find figures for a specific market. Starting compensation—pay for someone new to a role—can vary significantly based on a candidate’s skills, experience and certifications, as well as other factors including industry, company size and revenue, and demand for the role. To reflect this variability, we report our compensation data in three levels: low, mid and high.

AI, Machine Learning and Data Science

Consulting and Enterprise Systems

Data: Engineering, Analytics and Reporting

Executive Leadership

IT Operations and Help Desk

IT Project Management

Networking, Cloud and Systems

Quality Assurance (QA), Training and Audit

Security

Software and Applications Development

Web Development

Job Title

Low

Mid

High

ML Developer

85000

116750

165000

AI Architect

109250

147250

164500

AI Engineer

89000

115000

140000

Data Scientist

104250

131250

156750

Low

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

Mid

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferrable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

High

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialized certifications.

2026 tech and IT compensation trends

For most technology teams in Canada, large-scale digital transformation efforts are already on the road map for 2026—or will be soon. Nearly a third (31%) of managers in tech say finding skilled talent to execute their transformation strategy will also be a top priority.

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of tech and IT departments will participate in a major digital transformation initiative in the next 2 years. of tech and IT departments will participate in a major digital transformation initiative in the next 2 years.

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will focus on transformation projects to address cybersecurity and compliance challenges. will focus on transformation projects to address cybersecurity and compliance challenges.

In-demand tech and IT skills attracting higher pay

73% of technology leaders agree with the view that professionals with specialized skills are paid more than peers without them in the same role. Robert Half’s research shows that employers in Canada are offering higher wages to professionals with the following skills, ranked by demand:

AI, machine learning and data science

Cybersecurity

Data analytics, business intelligence and reporting

Cloud (e.g., computing, architecture)

Software applications and development

Year-over-year salary gains

+2.0%

projected average increase across technology and IT roles

+3.3%

for AI, ML and data science roles, with the greatest salary gains for ML developers.

+2.6%

for security roles, driven by increasing concerns around cybersecurity threats.

+2.1%

for networking, cloud and systems roles, driven by digital transformation.

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of technology leaders worry about keeping pace with compensation expectations through 2026. of technology leaders worry about keeping pace with compensation expectations through 2026.

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are most willing to increase salaries for candidates with specialized skills or certifications. are most willing to increase salaries for candidates with specialized skills or certifications.

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predict that including pay ranges in job descriptions will help them attract and hire skilled talent in 2026. predict that including pay ranges in job descriptions will help them attract and hire skilled talent in 2026.

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rely on guidance from a recruiter when determining salary ranges for emerging roles. rely on guidance from a recruiter when determining salary ranges for emerging roles.

Challenges at the salary negotiation table

Specialized tech talent remains scarce in Canada’s labour market, even amid economic uncertainty and recent industry layoffs.

Many tech and IT professionals still expect salaries aligned with recent market highs.

Offering below-market pay can lead to stalled negotiations, lost candidates and damage to an employer’s brand.

Flexible work options remain a key bargaining chip and can serve as an effective compromise when salary budgets are constrained.

Bridge skills gaps with contract talent

A flexible solution when permanent hiring isn’t an option

Whether you need to navigate a hiring slowdown, cover open roles, or manage workload surges and urgent deadlines, interim professionals can step in quickly with the skills and expertise to keep your business running smoothly. Supplementing your tech and IT team with contract talent can help you stay agile—without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire.

Top certifications and industries

Candidates with in-demand certifications are commanding higher starting salaries, notably in sectors experiencing active hiring and strong demand for specialized skills. These are the most sought-after credentials.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate/Expert (MCSA/MCSE)

Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment Manager

Companies in the following sectors are willing to pay top dollar for the right combination of skills and experience. Likewise, these industries are providing the greatest opportunities for career advancement and salary growth.

Financial services/insurance/real estate 

Information and IT 

Manufacturing

Professional services

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The salary benchmarks listed in the Salary Guide From Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process so that our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the country and third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary ranges. Learn more about our salary methodology.

Non-salary data referenced in the Salary Guide is based on online surveys developed by Robert Half and conducted by independent research firms. Respondents include hiring managers and workers from small (10-99 employees), midsize (100-999 employees) and large (1,000-plus employees) private, publicly listed and public sector organizations across Canada.