With 6 years of work experience, what jobs and starting salaries can I expect after a master's in computer science in the USA or Canada?
A master's in computer science in the USA or Canada can lead to roles such as software engineer, data scientist and machine learning engineer. Indicative average starting salaries are around USD 123,000 per year in the USA and CAD 105,000 in Canada, varying by role and city.
After a master's in computer science, you can typically aim for roles in software, data and machine learning in the USA or Canada. Indicative average starting pay (not an official national starting salary) is around USD 123,000 (approx INR 1.19 crore) per year in the USA and CAD 105,000 (approx INR 71.38 L) in Canada.
Typical starting salaries by role
| Role / measure | USA (per year) | Canada (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative average starting salary | USD 123,000 (approx INR 1.19 crore) | CAD 105,000 (approx INR 71.38 L) |
| Software engineer or developer | USD 85,000 to 100,000 (approx INR 82.31 to 96.83 L) | CAD 74,000 to 115,000 (approx INR 50.31 to 78.18 L) |
| Data scientist | USD 100,000 to 120,000 (approx INR 96.83 L to 1.16 crore) | CAD 76,000 to 100,000 (approx INR 51.66 to 67.98 L) |
| Machine learning engineer | USD 140,000 to 170,000 (approx INR 1.36 to 1.65 crore) | CAD 83,000 to 100,000 (approx INR 56.42 to 67.98 L) |
Roles and what shapes your pay
- Common roles include software engineer, data scientist, machine learning engineer, cybersecurity analyst, cloud engineer, IT project manager and full stack developer.
- Major tech hubs usually pay more, but living costs there are higher too.
- With 6 years of experience behind you, mid-level roles may be within reach rather than only entry-level ones.
- STEM OPT in the USA and the PGWP in Canada let you work after graduation, which gives you time to land that first role.
My Advice
Treat these figures as typical ranges, not promises, since pay varies by city, employer and specialisation. Build your network and try for an internship during the course, as that often makes the biggest difference to your first offer.
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