Salary for senior IT professional (Software Developer) (living, cost of living)

[catcal]

We are considering a move to Vancouver and are wondering what a senior software developer/architect would typically get paid (over 20 years experience)? Are there areas of Vancouver with more IT jobs or do they exist more in supporting non-IT companies such as banks? From our limited research, it looks like the Seattle area pays considerably more but not sure if we are missing something.

[smihaila]

Originally Posted by catcal

We are considering a move to Vancouver and are wondering what a senior software developer/architect would typically get paid (over 20 years experience)? Are there areas of Vancouver with more IT jobs or do they exist more in supporting non-IT companies such as banks? From our limited research, it looks like the Seattle area pays considerably more but not sure if we are missing something.

I don't live in Vancouver but based on the research that I've done 2 years ago when I was contemplating a move over there, the IT salaries are LOW - 70-75k or in the most fortunate cases maybe 80k.
Unless you get into a management position, they are low comparing to either Ontario or Quebec. Even for the senior / highly-qualified positions.

BC in terms of salaries (in both absolute terms and relative to cost of living) is a rip-off imho.
It's a way to get gauged with a sort of "sunshine tax". That's an area for pensioners and other millionaires. It's a place to spend money not gain it. My 2 cents.
BC == Bring Cash :-)

[deim]

Originally Posted by smihaila

I don't live in Vancouver but based on the research that I've done 2 years ago when I was contemplating a move over there, the IT salaries are LOW - 70-75k or in the most fortunate cases maybe 80k.
Unless you get into a management position, they are low comparing to either Ontario or Quebec. Even for the senior / highly-qualified positions.

BC in terms of salaries (in both absolute terms and relative to cost of living) is a rip-off imho.
It's a way to get gauged with a sort of "sunshine tax". That's an area for pensioners and other millionaires. It's a place to spend money not gain it. My 2 cents.
BC == Bring Cash :-)

Well, salaries on permanent positions are not very high anywhere else too. In Toronto, mid-level java programmer will be around $70k-$75k; senior level java - up to $90k.

What is much more interesting - what kind of rates are in Vancouver on senior java developer level positions, CONTRACT? The ones, which are about $65-$70/hour in Toronto?

[smihaila]

Ah, forgot to mention that for Vancouver, that range which I have mentioned earlier WAS for senior level + permanent positions.
Comparing to a $90-95k in Ontario for the same senior level job category, it is indeed low.