Best Cities to Work in Cyber Security in Canada in 2023

The importance of cyber security has undoubtedly increased over the past several years. The recent epidemic brought out the best in the internet business. Still, it also gave thieves more opportunities than ever to steal from individuals doing business and spend more time online than ever. In addition, international employees interested in immigration now have many options thanks to the increased demand for expertise in the field.

Moreover, if you are thinking about working in the field of cyber security and are curious about the pay in Canada, then you are in the correct location. This blog offers all the details you need to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

Is Cybersecurity a Good Career Option in Canada?

Cybersecurity is undoubtedly an excellent professional sector if you're considering moving to Canada—experts in cyber security protection systems and processes from cyberattacks and ransomware. Professionals in cyber security are needed across all of Canada's government sectors due to a talent shortage in the field, both domestically and internationally. In addition, with the COVID-19 epidemic, ransomware attacks and other online dangers have increased in Canada.

As a result, all Canadian industries have a critical need for cyber talent. The workforce of effective cyber security teams is broad and encompasses all facets of Canadian society. Suppose you're wondering about a job in cybersecurity but need more technical training or a degree. In that case, many organizational roles in research, policy, law enforcement, data analysis, and other fields call for using critical thinking and cybersecurity principles. A keen interest in technology will be advantageous if you wish to work more technically.

Following are a few benefits of a career in the field of cybersecurity in Canada:

• Your skills will be in huge demand across all sectors in Canada.
• The cybersecurity salary in Canada is excellent.
• You get to tackle complex challenges and solve puzzles.
• Your skills enable you to move anywhere and in any industry.

Top Cities to Work in Cyber Security in Canada

When deciding where you want to live and work in Canada, you should consider it. Provinces around the coast differ greatly from that inland. Although they have significantly less snow, you might notice that the living expense is noticeably more significant. The citizens of these five locations can choose from various distinctive lifestyles while benefiting from cyber security chances.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver's central city on Canada's west coast is only a short distance from Seattle to the south and the US border. Spending weekends on Vancouver Island, where you can enjoy orca watching, gorgeous hiking trails, charming seaside villages, and the island's capital city of Victoria, is one of the locals' favorite activities. Vancouver has a sizable IT sector. There are headquarters for Microsoft, Amazon, EA, and Hootsuite. In addition, Hexafusion Canada, CyberSecurity Brain, and Forecight are three significant cybersecurity firms.

In Vancouver, specialists can earn up to $125,000 per year, compared to an average salary of $67,000 for security analysts. It is significant to highlight that, compared to the rest of the nation, living expenses are costly here: You should consider the 76-week program that the Vancouver Career College offers to earn a certification in cyber security.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is an Atlantic metropolis going all the way over to Canada's east coast. The east coast is also wonderfully scenic and lovely in the winter, even though it becomes much colder there. Working in Nova Scotia also allows you to apply for permanent residency through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, a program created especially for foreign nationals with job offers in Atlantic Canada.

Cyber security experts, IT system administrators, and IT systems analysts are in high demand. Depending on your level of education and expertise, the average income might range from $45,000 to $80,000 annually. Even though Halifax's cost of living is lower than Vancouver's, it is still high compared to other Canadian provinces.

Calgary, Alberta

Although Calgary may not be at the top of everyone's list regarding the tech sector, the city and its economy is expanding steadily and appear to be going strong. As a result, there are hundreds of openings for cybersecurity specialists on employment sites. In addition, this large city is the best option if you like the outdoors because of its proximity to the Canadian Rockies. This hidden jewel may surprise you with attractions like Banff and Yoho National Park right outside your door, one of the safest towns in the world and the city named the most liveable in North America.

In Calgary, the average salary for a cyber security analyst is $79,000, while the annual salary for a cyber security specialist can reach $155,000. The average salary and the cost of living are also quite beneficial compared to other cities.

Toronto, Ontario

While they are all within a half-hour drive of Toronto and offer a wealth of opportunities for cyber security professionals, Burlington, Scarborough, Niagara, Ottawa, and Waterloo will also be included for accuracy's sake. They also have the advantage of not being as expensive to live in as Toronto.

The south of Ontario is covered in small cities that encircle Toronto, the country's largest hub, making it approximately as south as you can get in Canada and having the mildest winters possible. The US border, with the city of Buffalo immediately across it, is located a few miles south between the enormous Lake Toronto and Lake Erie. In Toronto, the average yearly salary for a cyber security analyst is $63,109, with specialists earning up to $168,500.

Montreal, Quebec

Remember that Quebec is a French-speaking province while searching for jobs in Montreal. This lovely city, which goes by the moniker "the European capital of Canada," is rich in history, and its stunning architecture is just one of the many factors that draw people to settle there. The IT sector is booming and has been for many years; Spiria, Novatek, Ubisoft, and Bethesda are just a few companies calling Montreal home. 

Due to the numerous financial institutions' intense efforts to safeguard their consumers' sensitive information, threat hunters are in great demand. The typical yearly salary for cybersecurity experts is $65,000. Although the cost of living is lower than in the rest of Canada, the immigration system is separate from the IRCC and operates independently.

Studying Cyber Security in Canada

In Canada, a career in cyber security might be a wise move. Along with picking a successful career, you would also be choosing to live in one of the world's most stunning nations with a progressive government, free healthcare, and an unrivaled level of public safety. In addition, colleges and universities offer top-notch programs across Canada if you decide to pursue your goal of earning a degree there.

Once you graduate, you must ensure that the IRCC recognizes the institution you chose as a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) to qualify for permanent residency in Canada, better still, if your program allows for the PostGraduate Work Program. AVariousimmigration visa options are available in Canada for prospective international students. The Student Direct Stream is the most popular program for Canadian students seeking immigration visas. The SDS intends to improve international students' social, cultural, and economic contributions to Canada by streamlining the application process for study visas.

You must fulfill additional criteria to participate in Canada's Student Direct Stream. You can access a $10,000 CDN investment once you begin your studies in Canada and possess a better level of academic proficiency in either English or French. This is a list of the paperwork you will need to gather to submit an SDS application for a study permit in Canada.

• An acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution
• Proof that you paid your tuition for your first year of study
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000
• A medical exam (if needed)
• A police certificate (if needed)
• Your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript
• English language test results (IELTS) academic or general training score of six or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, or listening)

How to Work in Cyber Security in Canada

There are numerous career opportunities for cybersecurity professionals in Canada's top cities. You must be qualified to apply for those opportunities, and your chances of success will be significantly increased if you can see from within Canada. The IRCC offers a variety of immigration programs.

Some, such as the Fast Entry System, permit applicants to submit a permanent residency application in Canada without a job offer. As a result, you might be admitted to the country if you have the necessary credentials. There are also several options for Provincial Nominee programs that provide a thorough list of the jobs that are in high demand in each province.

Cyber Security Salaries in Canada

Now, you must be wondering about the cybersecurity salary in Canada. Well, the following is the salary structure for the various roles of cybersecurity professionals:

• The average salary of a Chief Information Security Officer is about $158,547 a year in Canada.
• The average salary of a Security Architect is about $86,559 a year in Canada.
• A Cybersecurity Engineer in Canada earns close to $88,881 a year.
• A Malware Analyst in Canada earns around $71,263 a year in Canada.
• A Penetration Tester in Canada earns close to $76,195 a year.
• The salary of a Digital Forensics Analyst ranges from approximately $78 611 a year in Canada.

FAQs

Furthermore, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Canada's best cities to work in cyber security.

Which Canadian city has the largest cybersecurity sector?

The thriving heart of Canada's cybersecurity business is located in Waterloo, Ontario. There are more than 50 cybersecurity businesses there, many of which are highly specialized in fields like embedded security, risk analysis, and threat detection.

Which city offers cybersecurity analysts the highest pay?

Canada, Vancouver, and British Columbia pay cybersecurity experts the most on average.

What is the average salary in Canada's cybersecurity sector?

The Canadian cybersecurity market is expected to be worth $94,340. This will rise in step with the overall value of the cybersecurity sector in Canada, which Statistics Canada (Statscan) predicts will expand by 12.7%.