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Engineer Salary in Québec, Canada

Engineering is an important professional field in Québec, with employment opportunities in construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, aerospace, information technology, electronics, energy, transportation, telecommunications, research and professional services.

If you are considering an engineering career in Québec City or elsewhere in the province, your potential salary depends on your engineering discipline, experience, education, industry, employer, responsibilities and professional status.

Quick answer:

Current Government of Canada Job Bank data provides occupation-specific wage ranges rather than one universal "engineer salary." In the Capitale-Nationale region, the reported median hourly wage is approximately $48.72/hour for civil engineers, $43.74/hour for mechanical engineers, $50.59/hour for electrical engineers, $53.60/hour for computer software engineers and $44.25/hour for industrial and manufacturing engineers.

Using 2,080 working hours per year as a simple full-time equivalent, these medians correspond to approximately $90,979 to $111,488 per year before taxes. This annualization is only a calculation from the published hourly median; it is not a Job Bank published annual salary.

Job Bank wage data was updated in November 2025 and uses different reference periods depending on the occupation. Actual compensation can differ because of experience, overtime, bonuses, benefits, specialization, employer and working arrangements.

Engineer Salary in Québec: Quick Overview

The following table uses the most recent Job Bank wage information available for Québec City and the Capitale-Nationale region where regional data is published. Annual figures are approximate calculations based on the median hourly wage multiplied by 2,080 hours.

Engineering profession Median hourly wage Approx. annualized equivalent* Career information
Civil Engineer $48.72/hour ~$101,338 Infrastructure, construction, transportation and public works
Mechanical Engineer $43.74/hour ~$90,979 Manufacturing, machinery, energy, transportation and industrial systems
Electrical Engineer $50.59/hour ~$105,227 Electrical systems, electronics, communications, energy and automation
Software Engineer $53.60/hour ~$111,488 Software, cloud, technology, systems and digital products
Industrial Engineer $44.25/hour ~$92,040 Manufacturing, optimization, production and operations
Chemical Engineer $48.10/hour ~$100,048 Chemical processing, manufacturing and technical services
Geological Engineer $49.33/hour ~$102,606 Geotechnical, geological, mining and infrastructure applications

*Annualized equivalent = median hourly wage × 2,080 hours. It should not be interpreted as a guaranteed annual salary. Job Bank publishes hourly wage ranges and not necessarily annual salary figures for these occupations.

How Much Does an Engineer Earn in Québec?

There is no single salary for an engineer in Québec. Engineering includes many occupations with different education requirements, responsibilities, industries and labour-market conditions.

For example, Job Bank reports a Capitale-Nationale median of $48.72 per hour for civil engineers, $43.74 for mechanical engineers, $50.59 for electrical engineers and $53.60 for computer software engineers. These figures illustrate why it is more useful to compare engineering disciplines rather than use one number for every engineer.

For workers planning to live in Québec City, the Capitale-Nationale figures can be more relevant than a province-wide figure. However, professionals considering Montréal, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Saguenay or other regions should also check the wage data for the specific labour market.

Engineer Salary in Québec by Experience

Experience is one of the most important factors affecting engineering compensation. A recent graduate normally enters the market at a different salary level from an experienced engineer, technical specialist, principal engineer or engineering manager.

Career level Typical position Salary factors
0–2 years Graduate / Junior Engineer / Engineering Graduate Education, internships, technical skills and first professional experience
3–5 years Engineer / Specialist Growing technical responsibility and project experience
6–8 years Experienced Engineer Specialization, project ownership and industry expertise
9–11 years Senior Engineer Technical leadership, project responsibility and client experience
12–20 years Senior / Lead / Principal Engineer Advanced specialization, leadership and major project responsibility
20+ years Principal / Engineering Manager / Director Management, strategy, technical authority and organizational responsibility

Experience does not automatically determine salary. A specialized engineer with fewer years of experience may have different compensation from a generalist with more years of experience. Industry, technical expertise, professional licensing and employer can all influence the actual offer.

Junior Engineer Salary in Québec

Junior engineers and recent graduates generally begin below the median compensation reported for the entire occupation because wage statistics include workers at different stages of their careers.

For a junior engineering position in Québec City, employers may consider the candidate's engineering degree, internship or co-op experience, software and technical skills, communication abilities, French-language ability and relevant industry knowledge.

Graduates should therefore avoid comparing a first engineering position directly with the overall median wage for an occupation.

Senior Engineer Salary in Québec

Senior engineers generally have several years of professional experience and may take responsibility for technical decisions, projects, customers, budgets, quality, safety or junior engineers.

Experienced engineers may also move into positions such as principal engineer, technical lead, project manager, engineering manager, consultant or department leader.

Engineer Salary in Québec by Specialization

Civil Engineer Salary in Québec

Civil engineers work on buildings, roads, bridges, transportation systems, water systems, municipal infrastructure and other construction or infrastructure projects.

Job Bank currently reports a median wage of approximately $48.72 per hour in the Capitale-Nationale region. At 2,080 hours per year, that is approximately $101,338 as a simple annualized equivalent.

Job Bank currently rates the Québec outlook for civil engineers as Good for 2025–2027. The outlook is linked to professional services, construction, infrastructure projects, transportation projects and housing-related activity.

See the complete Civil Engineer Salary in Québec guide →

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Québec

Mechanical engineers work with machinery, manufacturing equipment, heating and ventilation systems, power generation, transportation systems and industrial processes.

Job Bank reports a median wage of approximately $43.74 per hour in the Capitale-Nationale region. That corresponds to approximately $90,979 per year when annualized over 2,080 hours.

Job Bank currently classifies the Québec-wide outlook for mechanical engineers as Limited for 2025–2027, although outlooks differ by region and individual specialization.

See the complete Mechanical Engineer Salary in Québec guide →

Electrical Engineer Salary in Québec

Electrical and electronics engineers work on electrical equipment, electronic systems, communications, industrial technology, energy systems, manufacturing and transportation.

Job Bank reports a median wage of approximately $50.59 per hour in the Capitale-Nationale region. This is approximately $105,227 per year when annualized over 2,080 hours.

The current Job Bank outlook for electrical and electronics engineers in Québec is Moderate for 2025–2027.

See the complete Electrical Engineer Salary in Québec guide →

Software Engineer Salary in Québec

Software engineering is an important part of Québec's technology economy. Software professionals can work in information technology, financial technology, telecommunications, health technology, artificial intelligence, gaming, cybersecurity, cloud computing and enterprise software.

Job Bank reports a median wage of approximately $53.60 per hour in the Capitale-Nationale region for computer software engineers. This corresponds to approximately $111,488 per year when annualized over 2,080 hours.

Actual software compensation can vary considerably according to programming language, technology stack, seniority, employer, management responsibility and specialization.

See the complete Software Engineer Salary in Québec guide →

Industrial Engineer Salary in Québec

Industrial and manufacturing engineers work on production systems, process optimization, quality, efficiency, logistics, manufacturing and operations.

Job Bank reports a median wage of approximately $44.25 per hour in the Capitale-Nationale region. That is approximately $92,040 per year when annualized over 2,080 hours.

The recent Job Bank data also identifies a labour shortage for industrial and manufacturing engineers near Québec over the 2023–2025 period, while the current 2025–2027 outlook for the Capitale-Nationale region is Moderate.

See the complete Industrial Engineer Salary in Québec guide →

Chemical Engineer Salary in Québec

Chemical engineers work in chemical manufacturing, industrial processing, engineering services, materials and other technical industries.

Job Bank reports a Québec median wage of approximately $44.31 per hour. In the Capitale-Nationale region, the reported median is approximately $48.10 per hour, equivalent to about $100,048 when annualized over 2,080 hours.

Job Bank currently classifies the Québec-wide outlook for chemical engineers as Limited for 2025–2027.

See the complete Chemical Engineer Salary in Québec guide →

Other Engineering Careers in Québec

Engineering employment in Québec extends well beyond traditional civil, mechanical and electrical engineering. To build a broader engineering salary resource, ToQuebec can also cover specialized engineering occupations such as:

Engineering Manager Salary in Québec

Engineers who move into management may take responsibility for engineering teams, budgets, project delivery, recruitment, performance management and strategic technical decisions.

Engineering manager compensation should therefore be evaluated separately from individual contributor engineering salaries. The responsibilities and compensation structure can differ substantially between employers.

Read the Engineering Manager Salary in Québec guide →

Engineering Specializations With Strong Earning Potential

There is no single engineering specialization that is always the highest paid in Québec. Salary depends on the occupation, employer, industry, seniority, technical specialization and responsibilities.

Some engineering areas with potentially strong compensation include:

Engineer Salary in Québec City vs Other Québec Regions

Québec City is located in the Capitale-Nationale region and has an engineering labour market covering government, construction, professional services, manufacturing, technology, transportation and other industries.

Salary data can differ substantially between Québec City and other regions of the province. When comparing engineering opportunities, look at the specific regional wage data rather than assuming that a province-wide median applies equally everywhere.

Engineer Salary and Cost of Living in Québec City

A high gross engineering salary does not automatically translate into high disposable income. Engineers should compare salary with housing, taxes, transportation, food, insurance, childcare and other recurring expenses.

This is particularly important when comparing job offers between Québec City, Montréal and other Canadian cities.

Gross Salary vs Net Salary for Engineers in Québec

Engineering wage figures are normally discussed as gross compensation. Your take-home income will be lower after deductions such as federal and Québec income taxes, Québec Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance and other applicable deductions.

The exact net salary depends on your income, tax credits, family situation, benefits, pension contributions and other personal circumstances.

Calculate Québec Gross Salary to Net Salary →

Engineering Jobs in Québec for Foreigners

Québec has an international workforce and engineering employers may recruit professionals educated in Canada and abroad.

However, foreign-trained engineers should distinguish between obtaining a job in an engineering-related role and being legally authorized to practise the regulated engineering profession and use the protected engineer title.

The Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec states that a person must hold the appropriate permit and be registered with the OIQ to practise engineering in Québec and use the reserved engineer title. Internationally educated applicants can be required to complete an admission and professional process based on their education and experience.

French is also an important consideration. The OIQ states that applicants must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of French to obtain an engineering permit, subject to applicable exceptions and pathways.

Jobs in Québec for Foreigners →

Engineering Licensing in Québec

Engineering is a regulated profession in Québec. Having an engineering degree does not by itself automatically make someone a professional engineer in Québec.

The Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec regulates access to the profession. Depending on the candidate's education and circumstances, the admission process can include academic assessment, examinations, professional admission requirements and language requirements.

This is particularly important for engineers who earned their degree outside Québec or outside Canada.

Visit the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec →

Where Do Engineers Work in Québec City?

Engineering employment in Québec City and the Capitale-Nationale region extends across several industries.

Engineering Employers and Industries in Québec

Engineers in Québec can work for engineering consulting firms, manufacturers, technology companies, construction companies, utilities, transportation organizations, government institutions, research organizations and other employers.

The Capitale-Nationale region also has employment in professional, scientific and technical services and manufacturing. Job Bank data for industrial and manufacturing engineers near Québec identifies professional, scientific and technical services, computer and electronic product manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing and fabricated metal manufacturing among the relevant sectors.

How to Increase Your Engineering Salary in Québec

How Much Should an Engineer Ask for in Québec?

There is no universal salary number that every engineer should request. A reasonable salary expectation depends on your engineering discipline, years of experience, education, professional status, technical specialization, industry, employer and job location.

A useful approach is to compare your profile with several reliable wage sources and then look at current job advertisements for similar positions in the same region.

For example, a junior mechanical engineer should not necessarily use the same salary expectation as a senior software engineer, electrical engineering specialist or engineering manager. These are different labour markets with different responsibilities.

Official Québec Engineering Salary Data

The Government of Canada's Job Bank provides wage information for engineering occupations across Québec and its economic regions. The data includes low, median and high hourly wages and can be used to compare occupations and regions.

For example, current Job Bank data reports the following Capitale-Nationale median wages:

The Job Bank wage database should be checked regularly because published wage data is updated as new labour-market information becomes available.

Visit the official Government of Canada Job Bank wage information →

Engineer Job Prospects in Québec

Salary is only one part of an engineering career decision. The availability of jobs and the labour-market outlook for the specific engineering occupation are also important.

For the 2025–2027 period, Job Bank currently reports a Good outlook for civil engineers in Québec, Moderate for electrical and electronics engineers, and Limited for mechanical engineers. Outlooks can vary by region and occupation, so candidates should check the specific Job Bank profile for their profession.

For the Capitale-Nationale region, Job Bank currently reports a Moderate outlook for industrial and manufacturing engineers for 2025–2027. The same source reports that the region experienced a labour shortage for this occupation during 2023–2025.

Check current Québec engineering job outlooks on Job Bank →

Frequently Asked Questions About Engineer Salaries in Québec

What is the average engineer salary in Québec?

There is no single official average salary that accurately represents every engineer. Job Bank publishes wage ranges for individual engineering occupations. For example, the current Capitale-Nationale median is $48.72/hour for civil engineers and $53.60/hour for computer software engineers.

How much does a civil engineer earn in Québec?

Job Bank currently reports a median wage of approximately $48.72 per hour in the Capitale-Nationale region. Annualized over 2,080 hours, that is approximately $101,338 before taxes.

How much does a mechanical engineer earn in Québec?

Job Bank currently reports a median wage of approximately $43.74 per hour in the Capitale-Nationale region, equivalent to about $90,979 per year when annualized over 2,080 hours.

How much does an electrical engineer earn in Québec?

Job Bank currently reports a median wage of approximately $50.59 per hour in the Capitale-Nationale region, equivalent to about $105,227 per year when annualized over 2,080 hours.

How much does a software engineer earn in Québec?

Job Bank reports a median wage of approximately $53.60 per hour in the Capitale-Nationale region for computer software engineers. That is approximately $111,488 per year when annualized over 2,080 hours.

Do engineers earn good salaries in Québec?

Engineering wages can be substantial, but compensation varies considerably by occupation, experience, industry, region and employer. The most useful comparison is between your specific engineering occupation and comparable positions in the same labour market.

Can foreign engineers work in Québec?

Yes, foreign-trained engineers can pursue engineering careers in Québec, but professional licensing and immigration are separate issues. The OIQ has specific admission procedures for internationally educated engineers, and practising regulated engineering requires the appropriate OIQ authorization.

Is French required for engineering jobs in Québec?

French is an important consideration in Québec. For professional engineering practice, the OIQ states that candidates must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of French to obtain a permit, subject to applicable exceptions. Individual employers may also have their own language requirements for particular jobs.

Does an engineering degree guarantee a high salary in Québec?

No. Salary depends on much more than the degree itself. Engineering discipline, experience, industry, specialization, employer, professional licensing, technical skills, location and responsibility can all influence compensation.

What is the highest-paid engineering field in Québec?

There is no single engineering field that is always the highest paid for every worker. Job Bank wage data shows different median and high wage levels across engineering occupations, and individual compensation can vary substantially within each occupation.

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Last reviewed: 2026. Wage figures are based primarily on current Government of Canada Job Bank data and may change when new labour-market information is published. Annualized figures on this page are calculations based on hourly median wages and 2,080 hours of work. ToQuebec does not guarantee any particular salary, job offer or employment outcome.