This guide presents current salary ranges, the key factors that influence compensation, and the best strategies to progress in this fast-growing field. For a broader overview of salaries across all IT professions in Quebec, consult our complete guide or download our guide.
Average Salary Grid by Role in 2026
Cybersecurity salaries vary significantly depending on experience level and job role. Below is a realistic snapshot based on Quebec market data.
Cybersecurity Analyst (SOC)
The cybersecurity analyst is often the entry point into the field. This professional monitors systems, detects incidents, and responds to security alerts.
| Experience level | Annual salary | Hourly equivalent |
| Entry-level (0-2years) | 65 000 $ - 75 000 $ | 31,25 $ - 36,06 $ |
| Mid-level (3-5 years) | 75 000 $ - 95 000 $ | 36,06 $ - 45,67 $ |
| Senior (5+ years) | 95 000 $ - 120 000 $ | 45,67 $ - 57,69 $ |
Key responsibilities: Continuous system monitoring, incident analysis, threat documentation, and application of security procedures.
Pentester (Ethical Hacker)
The pentester, or penetration tester, simulates cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers exploit them.
| Experience level | Annual salary | Hourly equivalent |
| Entry-level (0-2years) | 70 000 $ - 80 000 $ | 33,65 $ - 38,46 $ |
| Mid-level (3-5 years) | 85 000 $ - 110 000 $ | 40,87 $ - 52,88 $ |
| Senior (5+ years) | 110 000 $ - 145 000 $ | 52,88 $ - 69,71 $ |
In-demand skills: Mastery of pentesting tools (Metasploit, Burp Suite, Kali Linux), strong networking knowledge, programming skills (Python, Bash), and certifications such as CEH or OSCP.
Security Architect and Management Roles
Leadership and architecture positions are the highest paid in the sector, reflecting their strategic impact on organizations.
| Role | Annual salary | Required experience |
| Cybersecurity Manager | 95 000 $ - 140 000 $ | 5-8 years |
| Security Architect | 120 000 $ - 160 000 $ | 7-10 years |
| Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | 140 000 $ - 180 000 $+ | 10+ years |
According to data from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the median salary for a cybersecurity manager in Quebec is $67.55/hour, or approximately $140,500 annually. Top earners can reach $103.84/hour (about $216,000 per year).
Strategic role: These professionals define security strategy, manage budgets, oversee teams, and align cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives.
Four Key Factors That Influence Your Salary in Quebec
Your cybersecurity salary depends on more than your job title alone. Several elements can shift compensation by 15% to 30%.
The Critical Impact of Bilingualism in Montreal
French–English bilingualism is a major asset in the Quebec market. In Montreal in particular, where many multinational companies operate, bilingual professionals can earn 10% to 15% more.
Why this premium exists? Bilingual professionals can:
- Collaborate with international teams
- Work with English technical documentation
- Attend international conferences and training
- Manage incidents involving English-speaking partners
A bilingual cybersecurity analyst in Montreal can expect $5,000 to $10,000 more than a unilingual counterpart, all else being equal.
Certifications (CISSP, CEH): What Is the Real Payoff?
Professional certifications are a strong return on investment. They validate your skills and justify significant salary increases. Discover our comprehensive analysis of the most in-demand IT certifications across Quebec.
Most valued certifications in Quebec:
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) : Salary premium $8,000 – $15,000
- Recommended for management and architecture roles
- Requires 5 years of experience
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) : Salary premium $5,000 – $10,000
- Ideal for pentesters and security analysts
- Internationally recognized
CompTIA Security+ : Salary premium $3,000 – $6,000
- Excellent entry-level certification
- Covers cybersecurity fundamentals
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) : Salary premium $7,000 – $12,000
- Highly technical and hands-on
- Strongly respected by employers
Professionals holding multiple certifications can negotiate even higher salaries, especially when combining technical expertise with management skills.
Industry Sector and Company Size
The sector you work in directly affects compensation. According to government data, cybersecurity jobs in Quebec are distributed as follows:
- IT consulting services (30%): Competitive salaries, varied projects
- Public administration (17%): Stability, strong benefits
- Financial sector (12%): Among the highest salaries
- Media and information (9%): Average salaries, dynamic culture
- Utilities (5%): Stability, regular schedules
Large organizations (500+ employees) typically offer salaries 15% to 25% higher than SMEs. Smaller companies, however, often provide greater autonomy and broader responsibilities.
Geographic Location
In Quebec, Montreal remains the most lucrative market for cybersecurity professionals:
- Montreal: Salaries 10%–20% above the provincial average
- Quebec City: Average salaries, lower cost of living
- Regions: Lower salaries, but growing remote work opportunities
Remote work is reshaping this dynamic. More professionals now earn Montreal-level salaries while living in regional areas, creating a favorable balance between income and quality of life.
Public Sector vs Private Tech Companies: A Comparison
Choosing between the public and private sector involves more than base salary alone.
Public Sector (Government, Universities, Public Services)
Advantages:
- Defined-benefit pension plans (RREGOP, RRPE)
- High job security
- Better work-life balance
- Employer-funded training
- Stable schedules (typically 37.5 hours/week)
Typical salaries:
- Cybersecurity analyst: $65,000 – $90,000
- Senior specialist: $90,000 – $115,000
- Manager: $105,000 – $135,000
Challenges:
- Slower salary progression
- Longer decision-making processes
- Sometimes outdated technologies
Private Sector (Tech, Finance, Consulting)
Advantages:
- Higher base salaries (10%–30% more)
- Performance bonuses (5%–20%)
- Cutting-edge technologies
- Faster career progression
- Innovation-driven culture
Typical salaries:
- Cybersecurity analyst: $75,000 – $105,000
- Senior specialist: $105,000 – $140,000
- Manager: $130,000 – $180,000+
Challenges:
- Frequent overtime
- Higher pressure
- Variable stability depending on the company
💡 Fed IT insight:
For ambitious early-career professionals, the private sector accelerates growth. For those prioritizing work-life balance and long-term security, the public sector remains attractive when factoring in pension and benefits.
Career Progression: How to Double Your Salary in 5 Years
Going from $70,000 to $140,000 in five years is realistic in cybersecurity, if you adopt the right strategy.
Years 1–2: Build the Foundation ($70,000 – $80,000)
Goals:
- Master core concepts (networks, operating systems, security)
- Earn your first certification (Security+ or CEH)
- Gain hands-on experience in a SOC or security support role
- Develop daily tech monitoring habits
Actions:
- Participate in security incidents and document learnings
- Build a personal lab
- Join communities such as OWASP Montreal or BSides MTL
Years 3–4: Specialize ($90,000 – $110,000)
Goals:
- Choose a specialty (pentesting, cloud security, forensics)
- Earn an advanced certification (CISSP, OSCP, or cloud-specific)
- Take on mentoring or technical lead responsibilities
- Strengthen communication skills
Negotiation strategies:
- Document achievements (incidents resolved, projects delivered)
- Change employers if progression stalls (average increase: 15%–20%)
- Negotiate with market salary data during reviews
Year 5+: Become a Recognized Expert ($120,000 – $150,000+)
Goals:
- Reach a senior or management role
- Be recognized as an expert in your domain
- Contribute to the community (talks, articles, training)
- Lead strategic projects or teams
Growth levers:
- Develop project management and leadership skills
- Master English if not already fluent
- Consider consulting or freelancing
- Stay current with trends (AI in cybersecurity, Zero Trust, DevSecOps)
Realistic career path example:
- 2026: Junior SOC Analyst → $68,000
- 2027: Intermediate SOC Analyst + Security+ → $78,000
- 2028: Cloud Security Specialist + job change → $95,000
- 2029: Cloud Security Lead + CEH → $115,000
- 2030: Cloud Security Architect + CISSP → $145,000
This progression requires ambition, but it reflects a common career path in today’s job market.
Your Next Step in Cybersecurity
The cybersecurity market in Quebec offers exceptional opportunities in 2026. With competitive salaries, strong demand, and rapid advancement potential, now is the ideal time to build or accelerate your career. Cybersecurity ranks among the most in-demand IT jobs in Quebec.
Three actions to take now:
- Assess your position: Compare your current salary with the ranges above. If you are underpaid by more than 10%, prepare for a discussion or explore the market.
- Plan your certification: Identify the certification that matches your experience and goals. Investing $2,000–$4,000 can yield $5,000–$15,000 annually.
- Develop complementary skills: Technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Strengthen communication, project management, and business acumen.
Need support in your job search? Fed IT specializes in placing IT professionals across Quebec. Our deep market knowledge and partner network allow us to connect you with the best opportunities aligned with your skills and salary ambitions.
FAQ: Cybersecurity Salary Questions
What is the salary of an entry-level cybersecurity analyst in Montreal?
An entry-level cybersecurity analyst in Montreal can expect an annual salary between $65,000 and $75,000. If you are bilingual and hold a basic certification such as CompTIA Security+, you can aim for the top of this range, or even up to $78,000. Companies in the financial sector and consulting firms generally offer the most competitive conditions for beginners.
Which certification pays the most in 2026?
The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification remains the most highly valued, with a salary premium of $8,000 to $15,000 in Quebec. It is particularly recommended for professionals aiming for management or security architecture roles. However, it requires at least five years of experience in information security. For professionals with 2 to 5 years of experience, OSCP or CEH certifications offer an excellent return on investment.
Does remote work impact cybersecurity salaries in Quebec?
Remote work has created two opposing dynamics. On one hand, it allows professionals living outside major cities to access Montreal-based roles without relocating, increasing their purchasing power. On the other hand, some companies adjust salaries downward for fully remote employees living outside major urban centres, with reductions of 5% to 10%.
An emerging trend: some Quebec-based companies hire specialists at Montreal-level salaries (around $90,000) while allowing them to work from Quebec City, Sherbrooke, or even internationally, creating win-win situations.
How much does a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) earn in Quebec?
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in Quebec earns between $140,000 and $180,000 annually in mid-sized organizations. In large enterprises (1,000+ employees) or financial institutions, total compensation can reach $200,000 to $250,000, including bonuses. This role typically requires 10+ years of experience, multiple certifications, and strong leadership and executive communication skills.
Is it possible to work in cybersecurity without a university degree?
Yes, it is possible, but more challenging. The industry places a strong emphasis on practical experience and certifications. A college diploma (DEC) in IT, combined with certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH, along with personal projects, can open doors. However, not having a university degree may limit progression into management roles. Many professionals start with a DEC, gain experience, and later complete a bachelor’s degree part-time to unlock further career growth.
What is the salary difference between Montreal and other regions?
Montreal offers salaries 10% to 20% higher than other regions for equivalent roles. For example, a mid-level cybersecurity analyst earns $85,000 to $95,000 in Montreal compared to $75,000 to $85,000 in Quebec City or other regions. However, the lower cost of living, especially housing, can offset this gap. With remote work, more professionals are negotiating Montreal-level salaries while living elsewhere.
Should I change employers to increase my salary?
Statistically, yes. A well-negotiated job change generates an average salary increase of 15% to 20%, while internal annual raises typically range from 2% to 5%. However, salary should not be the only factor. Company culture, learning opportunities, and work-life balance also matter. A common strategy is to change employers every 3 to 4 years early in your career to accelerate progression, then stabilize once key goals are reached.
Do women earn as much as men in cybersecurity?
Government data shows that only 16.7% of cybersecurity professionals in Quebec are women. While precise salary gap figures are not publicly available, the Quebec tech industry generally reports a 5% to 10% gender pay gap for equivalent roles. Several initiatives, such as Chapeau les filles! and mentorship programs, aim to encourage more women to enter the field and help reduce this gap.
Sources :
Government of Canada Job Bank - Cybersecurity Manager Salaries (2025): https://www.guichetemplois.gc.ca/rapportmarche/salaire-profession/296350/ca
Government of Quebec - Cybersecurity Specialists: https://www.quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/explorer-metiers-professions/21220-specialistes-de-la-cybersecurite
