Top 5 Cities with Cybersecurity Jobs in Canada
Across many provinces, we can review the list of top cities with Cyber Security Jobs in Canada. The role and importance of cyber security have become undeniably essential in recent years. This is because the increase in online operations brought out the best of the world, primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many legitimate businesses are using the internet for business, increasing demand for cyber security experts. In addition, there is an increasing demand for professionals in this industry as companies, businesses, and government agencies, particularly those with substantial online presence, continue to require competent and experienced cyber security.
That said, should you be interested in immigrating to Canada, discussed here are the top cities with Cyber Security Jobs in Canada.
Be aware that people like you are needed in Canada as experienced professionals, new graduates looking for opportunities, or prospective students in the field of cybersecurity. You can obtain a permanent residency if you fulfill the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) eligibility criteria.
5 Popular cities with Cyber Security Jobs in Canada
In immigrating, you must consider where you would prefer to live and work in Canada.
Coastal provinces in Canada are very much different from those that are inland. For instance, they get much less snow. However, you may discover the cost of living to be relatively higher.
These five cities all have a lot of opportunities in cyber security. In addition, they also provide different unique lifestyles to their residents.
#1. Vancouver, British Columbia
First on our list of top cities with Cyber Security Jobs in Canada is the city of Vancouver. This is the largest city on the west coast of Canada. Vancouver is just a stone’s throw from the US border and the city of Seattle to the south.
One of the special pastimes of residents here includes spending the weekend on Vancouver Island, where you can enjoy such activities as orca watching, beautiful hiking, experiencing quaint seaside villages, and exploring the island’s capital city of Victoria.
The tech industry in Vancouver is vast, with popular tech companies like Hootsuite, Amazon, Microsoft, and EA having head offices here.
Popular and large cybersecurity companies include Hexafusion Canada, CyberSecurity Brain, and Foresight.
Security analysts make an average of $67,000 per year, while security specialists can make close to $125,000 per year in Vancouver.
It is also essential to know that the cost of living here is higher than in the rest of Canada.
Cost of Living Vancouver, BC Item Average Cost Rent (1 bedroom apartment) $1,600 Public Transport (monthly pass) $98 Utilities $82 Meal (take-out) $10 Internet (60Mbps line) $80 Loaf of bread $3.19 Cappuccino $4 If you want to obtain a certification in cyber security, consider the 76 weeks program Vancouver Career Colleges offers.
#2. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax has many cyber security jobs too. Navigating to the east coast of Canada is the Atlantic city of Halifax. Although it gets significantly cold on the east coast during winter, it is also quite picturesque and charming.
Another benefit of working in Nova Scotia is that you can be eligible for permanent residency through the Atlantic Pilot Program, an immigration program designed especially for immigrants with job offers in Atlantic Canada.
Current demand in Atlantic Canada is cyber security analysts, IT systems administrators, and IT systems analysts. Average salaries range from $45,000-$80,000 per year, dependent on the level of qualification and experience.
Nova Scotia Community College offers a two-year program in cyber security. This, upon completion, will place you in a solid position to secure a permanent residency through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and make your way into the job market without too many barriers.
With the program, you also become eligible for a two-year Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) that will grant you straight access to a job after graduating.
Though not as high as Vancouver, the cost of living in Halifax is still entirely on the high side compared to other provinces in Canada. So these are some costs you can expect to encounter.
Cost of Living Halifax, Nova Scotia Item Average Cost Rent (1 bedroom apartment) $1,200 Public Transport (monthly pass) $82.50 Utilities $160 Meal (take-out) $12 Internet (60Mbps line) $96.50 Loaf of bread $3.03 Cappuccino $4.25
#3. Calgary, Alberta
Although Calgary may not make the best city to find cybersecurity employment, it has many openings in the tech industry. The real deal is that the city is growing economically steadily and shows no signs of slowing down.
Moreover, there are hundreds of positions for cyber security professionals and experts on job boards. Finally, Calgary’s proximity to the Canadian Rockies makes it the ideal choice for living if you are the type that enjoys the outdoors.
With scenic attractions like Banff and the Yoho National Park just around the corner, Calgary is one of the world’s safest cities. The city is also ranked as the most livable in entire North America. So, you may be in for a surprise in Calgary.
The average salary for a cyber security analyst here in Calgary is $79,000, with cyber security specialists earning close to $155,000 annually. Compared to other cities, the cost of living and the average income is quite favorable.
Cost of Living Calgary, Alberta Item Average Cost Rent (1 bedroom apartment) $1,125 Public Transport (monthly pass) $109 Utilities $203 Meal (take-out) $11 Internet (60Mbps line) $77 Loaf of bread $2.51 Cappuccino $4.40 Its high quality of life, low unemployment rate, and fair cost of living make Calgary the unofficial top city to work in cyber security in Canada.
#4. Toronto, Ontario
Toronto in the Province of Ontario, alongside the surrounding cities of Burlington, Scarborough, Niagara, Ottawa, and Waterloo, all within half an hour of Toronto, all have outstanding opportunities for cyber security professionals, with the surrounding cities offering the added benefit of not being as expensive to live in as Toronto.
The city of Toronto is as south as you can get in Canada, thus having a mild winter. However, don’t be fooled. It can still drop down to -7 degrees Celsius in February. The south of the province of Ontario is scattered with smaller cities surrounding the central hub of Toronto. Only a few miles south between Lake Toronto and Lake Erie is the US border, and the city of Buffalo is just on the other side.
The average salary of a cyber security analyst in Toronto is $63,109, while specialists glean close to $168,500 per year.
Cost of Living Toronto, Ontario Item Average Cost Rent (1 bedroom apartment) $1,950 Public Transport (monthly pass) $155 Utilities $155 Meal (take-out) $11.50 Internet (60Mbps line) $71 Loaf of bread $2.83 Cappuccino $4.49
#5. Montreal, Quebec
Without mentioning Montreal, you cannot count Canada’s best cities for cybersecurity-related careers. Unfortunately, the Province of Quebec is primarily French-speaking. Thus be advised of this when applying for jobs in Montreal. Referred to as the European capital of Canada, the beautiful city of Montreal is deep in history. Its stunning architecture is just one of the reasons people choose to settle here. Another is the Poutine.
The tech industry in Montreal has been thriving for many years. Companies like Spiria and Novatek, Ubisoft, and Bethesda all call Montreal home.
Threat hunters are in high demand, following many financial institutions working hard to protect their clients’ personal information. The average cybersecurity professional in Montreal makes about $65,000 per year.
The cost of living in this city is slightly lower than in the rest of Canada. However, the Province of Quebec’s immigration system is independent and not part of the IRCC. A job in cyber security also opens immigration opportunities for those with international degrees.
Cost of Living Montreal, Quebec Item Average Cost Rent (1 bedroom apartment) $1,120 Public Transport (monthly pass) $86.50 Utilities $97 Meal (take-out) $12 Internet (60Mbps line) $63 Loaf of bread $3.49 Cappuccino $3.85
Cyber Security Programs in Canada
A career in cyber security in Canada would be a brilliant choice. Not only would you be choosing a lucrative career, but you would also be choosing to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. That is, you won’t find anywhere else in a country with a progressive government, free healthcare, and a good level of public safety.
Should you choose to undertake the journey of getting a qualification in Canada, schools across the country are in abundance that offers world-class programs. To be eligible for permanent residency in Canada upon graduation, ensure the school you choose to study at is listed as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) by the IRCC. Even better if your program is eligible for the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
There are abundant job opportunities to work in cyber security in the top cities in Canada. However, for you to be eligible for these opportunities, you must be qualified. Also, if you can apply from inside Canada, your chances of success will undoubtedly be much higher. You can immigrate through different immigration programs available from the IRCC, some of which have been cited in the article already. Others, like the Express Entry System, allow you to apply for permanent residency in Canada without a job offer. Suppose you are adequately qualified. That is just enough to get you into Canada.
Cybersecurity analysts are well-paid in Canada. We recommend you also check out our list of high-paying jobs in Canada. If you’re looking to immigrate to Canada with family through cyber security jobs, check out our best cities to settle with the family.
