Last Updated: December 26, 2025
Ottawa’s tech sector is roaring back in 2025, with Kanata North emerging as one of North America’s most concentrated technology hubs and a hotbed for AI, cybersecurity, and 5G innovation.
Ottawa tech jobs 2025 represent a compelling career opportunity in Canada’s capital, where over 1,700 tech companies employ more than 70,000 workers. From established giants like Nokia and BlackBerry to fast-growing startups in artificial intelligence and clean tech, Ottawa offers diverse opportunities across the technology spectrum. This guide covers where to look, what skills are in demand, what salaries tend to look like, and how to break into Ottawa’s tech ecosystem.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s tech sector employs 70,000+ workers across 1,700+ companies. Kanata North is the hub with major employers like Nokia, Ciena, and Mitel. Average tech salaries range from $70K-$150K+. AI, cybersecurity, and 5G are the hottest areas for 2025.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 💼 Tech Workers | 70,000+ in Ottawa region |
| 🏢 Tech Companies | 1,700+ companies |
| 📍 Main Hub | Kanata North Technology Park |
| 💰 Avg Developer Salary | $85,000 - $130,000 |
| 🚀 Startups | 500+ active startups |
| 🔥 Hot Areas | AI, Cybersecurity, 5G, Cleantech |
Ottawa Tech Industry Overview 2025
Ottawa’s tech sector continues strong growth into 2025
Ottawa’s tech sector has a rich history dating back to the telecommunications boom and continues evolving into new frontiers.
The Tech Landscape
By the numbers:
- $18+ billion annual economic impact
- 70,000+ direct tech employees
- 1,700+ technology companies
- Top 3 tech hub in Canada
- Fastest-growing tech ecosystem in Ontario
Key strength areas:
- Telecommunications and 5G
- Cybersecurity and defence
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Software and SaaS
- Clean technology
- Photonics and optical networking
Post-Pandemic Recovery
The tech sector has largely recovered from 2022-2023 layoffs:
- Hiring has resumed at major employers
- Startups receiving renewed funding
- Remote work normalized, expanding opportunities
- Government contracts remain strong
- New sectors (AI, cleantech) driving growth
Ottawa vs Other Tech Hubs
| Factor | Ottawa | Toronto | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $95K | $105K | $100K |
| cost of living | Lower | Highest | High |
| Commute | Easier | Congested | Moderate |
| Tech Jobs | 70K+ | 300K+ | 100K+ |
| Competition | Moderate | Intense | High |
Kanata North Technology Park
Kanata North is Canada’s largest technology park
Kanata North is Ottawa’s premier tech hub and one of North America’s most concentrated technology clusters.
About Kanata North
The stats:
- 540+ tech companies
- 35,000+ employees
- 2 km² concentrated area
- $15+ billion in annual revenue
- 18% of all Canadian R&D
Location:
- Western Ottawa, ~25 km from downtown
- Highway 417 access
- OC Transpo bus service
- Growing cycling infrastructure
Major Employers in Kanata North
| Company | Employees | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Nokia | 2,000+ | 5G, telecommunications |
| Ciena | 1,500+ | Optical networking |
| Mitel | 1,000+ | Business communications |
| BlackBerry QNX | 800+ | Automotive software, security |
| Ross Video | 700+ | Broadcast technology |
| Solace | 500+ | Event streaming, messaging |
| Kinaxis | 1,000+ | Supply chain software |
Why Companies Choose Kanata
Talent pipeline:
- Carleton University nearby
- Algonquin College programs
- University of Ottawa graduates
- Strong engineering programs
Ecosystem benefits:
- Collaborative tech community
- Shared resources and networking
- Government R&D programs
- Access to federal contracts
Downtown Ottawa Tech Hub
Downtown Ottawa hosts many tech companies and startups
While Kanata North dominates, downtown Ottawa has its own thriving tech scene.
Shopify Influence
The Shopify effect:
- Formerly Ottawa’s largest tech employer
- Many alumni now founding startups
- Created culture of entrepreneurship
- Shifted to remote-first model
Current status:
- Reduced physical presence
- Remote workers throughout Ottawa
- Continues to hire remotely
- Spin-off companies emerging
Downtown Tech Companies
Notable employers:
- Assent Compliance - ESG software
- Fullscript - Health tech
- Martello Technologies - Network performance
- Klipfolio - Business dashboards
- Rewind - SaaS backup solutions
- FarmLead - Agriculture tech
Co-working Spaces
For startups and remote workers:
- Bayview Yards - Innovation hub
- WeWork - Flexible workspaces
- Regus - Professional offices
- CSI Ottawa - Social innovation focus
- L-Spark - SaaS accelerator space
Top Tech Companies Hiring 2025
Many Ottawa tech companies are actively hiring in 2025
These companies consistently appear in Ottawa tech job listings.
Large Employers
Nokia (Kanata)
- 5G technology leader
- Network infrastructure
- Research and development
- Competitive salaries and benefits
BlackBerry QNX (Kanata)
- Automotive software
- Security products
- Real-time operating systems
- Growing with EV market
Ciena (Kanata)
- Optical networking
- Network automation
- Software development
- Global opportunities
Kinaxis (Kanata)
- Supply chain software
- AI and machine learning
- Rapid growth mode
- Strong culture
Mid-Size Growth Companies
Assent Compliance
- ESG and supply chain
- 500+ employees
- Fast growing
- Downtown location
Fullscript
- Health and wellness tech
- Strong culture ratings
- Remote-friendly
- Competitive benefits
Solace
- Event streaming
- Enterprise messaging
- Well-funded
- Technical excellence focus
Government Tech
Shared Services Canada
- IT infrastructure
- Digital services
- Security clearance required
- Stable employment
Communications Security Establishment (CSE)
- Cybersecurity
- Intelligence
- Top Secret clearance
- Unique work
Startups to Watch
Ottawa’s startup scene is producing innovative new companies
Ottawa’s startup ecosystem continues producing innovative companies.
Well-Funded Startups
Noibu
- E-commerce error detection
- Growing rapidly
- Strong culture
- Funding momentum
Rewind
- SaaS data backup
- Shopify alumni founded
- Remote-first
- Growing team
Priceline Partner Network
- Travel technology
- Ottawa development hub
- Engineering focus
Emerging Startups
Clean tech:
- Moment Energy (EV battery repurposing)
- GaN Systems (power electronics - acquired)
- Li-Cycle (battery recycling)
AI/ML:
- Numerous early-stage companies
- Government contracts driving growth
- Research partnerships
Health tech:
- Digital health solutions
- Telehealth platforms
- Medical devices
Startup Resources
Incubators and accelerators:
- Invest Ottawa - Main startup support
- L-Spark - SaaS accelerator
- Bayview Yards - Innovation hub
- Lead To Win - Carleton program
In-Demand Tech Skills 2025
These skills are most sought-after by Ottawa tech employers
These skills command premium salaries and abundant opportunities.
Most Demanded Skills
Programming languages:
- Python (AI/ML, automation)
- JavaScript/TypeScript
- Java (enterprise)
- Go (cloud, infrastructure)
- Rust (systems, security)
Platforms and frameworks:
- React, Angular, Vue.js
- Node.js, Django, FastAPI
- AWS, Azure, GCP
- Kubernetes, Docker
- Terraform, Ansible
Hot Specializations
Artificial Intelligence:
- Machine learning engineers
- NLP specialists
- Computer vision
- AI ethics and governance
Cybersecurity:
- Security engineers
- Penetration testers
- Security architects
- Compliance specialists
Cloud and DevOps:
- Cloud architects
- Site reliability engineers
- Platform engineers
- DevSecOps
Emerging Skills
Growing demand for:
- Generative AI implementation
- LLM fine-tuning
- Edge computing
- Quantum computing (research)
- Sustainability tech
Tech Salaries Ottawa 2025
Ottawa tech salaries are competitive with major Canadian cities
Ottawa tech salaries are competitive, especially considering lower cost of living.
Developer Salaries
| Role | Junior | Mid | Senior | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $60K-$80K | $80K-$110K | $110K-$140K | $140K-$170K |
| Frontend Developer | $55K-$75K | $75K-$100K | $100K-$130K | $130K-$155K |
| Backend Developer | $60K-$80K | $80K-$115K | $115K-$145K | $145K-$175K |
| Full Stack | $60K-$80K | $80K-$110K | $110K-$140K | $140K-$165K |
| Mobile Developer | $60K-$80K | $80K-$110K | $110K-$140K | $140K-$165K |
Specialized Roles
| Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| DevOps Engineer | $90K-$150K |
| Cloud Architect | $120K-$180K |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $100K-$160K |
| Security Engineer | $95K-$150K |
| Data Engineer | $90K-$140K |
| Product Manager | $100K-$160K |
| Engineering Manager | $140K-$200K |
Salary Factors
What affects pay:
- Years of experience
- Specific technologies
- Security clearance (government)
- Company size and funding
- Remote vs on-site
Benefits beyond salary:
- Stock options (startups)
- Bonuses (15-25%)
- Health/dental benefits
- Professional development
- Remote work flexibility
Remote Work Opportunities
Many Ottawa tech companies offer remote work options
Remote work has permanently changed Ottawa’s tech landscape.
Remote-First Companies
Many companies now hire Ottawa talent for remote roles:
- Shopify - Fully remote
- GitLab - All-remote
- Automattic - WordPress, distributed
- Coinbase - Remote-first
- Stripe - Flexible remote
Hybrid Models
Most Ottawa employers offer hybrid options:
- 2-3 days in office typical
- Flexibility for schedules
- Team-based coordination
- Core collaboration hours
Remote Work Tips
Finding remote roles:
- Filter for “Remote” on job boards
- Check company career pages
- Network in remote communities
- Consider US companies (pay premium)
Considerations:
- Tax implications for US employers
- Time zone compatibility
- Home office setup
- Work-life boundaries
Tech Networking & Events
Ottawa’s tech community offers numerous networking opportunities
Building connections is crucial in Ottawa’s tight-knit tech community.
Regular Meetups
Technical meetups:
- Ottawa JavaScript
- Python Ottawa
- Ottawa AWS User Group
- DevOps Ottawa
- AI/ML Ottawa
General tech:
- Startup Drinks Ottawa
- Product Ottawa
- Women in Tech Ottawa
- TechTuesday Ottawa
Major Events
Annual conferences:
- CU Summit (Carleton)
- Ottawa AI Conference
- TechExpo Ottawa
- Kanata North Summit
Community events:
- Startup Open House
- Techopia
- Ottawa Tech Week
Online Communities
Join these:
- Ottawa Tech Slack
- Reddit r/ottawa (tech threads)
- LinkedIn Ottawa Tech groups
- Discord tech servers
How to Get Hired
A strategic approach increases your chances of landing Ottawa tech jobs
Strategies for landing your Ottawa tech job.
Job Search Strategies
Where to find jobs:
- LinkedIn (most common)
- Indeed Canada
- Wellfound (AngelList) - startups
- Company career pages
- Ottawa Job Shop
- Invest Ottawa job board
Networking approach:
- Attend meetups regularly
- Connect with recruiters
- Coffee chats with employees
- Contribute to open source
- Build online presence
Resume Tips
For Ottawa employers:
- Highlight relevant tech stack
- Show impact with numbers
- Include side projects
- List certifications
- Note security clearance (if applicable)
Technical portfolios:
- GitHub profile polished
- Personal website
- Live project demos
- Technical blog posts
Interview Preparation
What to expect:
- Phone screening
- Technical assessment
- Coding interview
- System design (senior)
- Culture fit discussion
Prepare for:
- Data structures and algorithms
- System design questions
- Technology-specific questions
- Behavioral questions
- Questions for interviewer
Resources for Job Seekers
Use these resources to accelerate your Ottawa tech job search
Tools and programs to support your search.
Training Programs
Bootcamps:
- Juno College (Toronto, remote)
- Lighthouse Labs (multiple locations)
- BrainStation (remote options)
Upskilling:
- Carleton University certificates
- Algonquin College programs
- Online platforms (Coursera, Udemy)
- AWS/Azure certifications
Government Programs
Invest Ottawa:
- Talent programs
- Career fairs
- Skills development
- Employer connections
Employment Ontario:
- Job search assistance
- Skills training funding
- Second Career program
Recruitment Agencies
Ottawa tech recruiters:
- Robert Half Technology
- TEKsystems
- Randstad Technologies
- Procom
- Lock Search Group
FAQ
Q: What are the biggest tech companies in Ottawa?
The largest tech employers in Ottawa include Nokia, Ciena, Mitel, BlackBerry QNX, and Kinaxis, primarily located in Kanata North. Downtown, Shopify (remote), Assent Compliance, and Fullscript are major employers.
Q: What is the average tech salary in Ottawa?
Average tech salaries in Ottawa range from $85,000 to $130,000 for developers depending on experience. Senior roles and specializations like cloud architecture or machine learning can exceed $150,000-$180,000.
Q: Is Kanata North a good place to work?
Kanata North offers excellent tech opportunities with 540+ companies and 35,000+ employees. The concentration of tech firms creates networking opportunities, though commuting from downtown can take 30-45 minutes.
Q: What tech skills are most in demand in Ottawa 2025?
The most in-demand skills include Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), DevOps/Kubernetes, cybersecurity, and AI/machine learning. Security clearance holders are especially valued for government contracts.
Q: How do I get a tech job in Ottawa without experience?
Start with bootcamps or self-study, build projects for your portfolio, contribute to open source, attend meetups for networking, and apply for junior/co-op positions. Startups and smaller companies often take chances on newer developers.
Q: Are there remote tech jobs in Ottawa?
Yes, many Ottawa companies offer remote or hybrid work. Additionally, Ottawa talent can access remote jobs from Toronto, US, and global companies. Shopify, GitLab, and other remote-first companies have Ottawa employees.
Q: What’s the tech startup scene like in Ottawa?
Ottawa has 500+ active startups supported by Invest Ottawa, L-Spark, and Bayview Yards. Strong sectors include SaaS, cybersecurity, cleantech, and AI. Many Shopify alumni have founded companies, strengthening the ecosystem.
Q: Do I need security clearance for Ottawa tech jobs?
Security clearance is required for many government and defence-related positions but not for private sector jobs. Having clearance (especially Secret or Top Secret) opens additional high-paying opportunities.
Q: How does Ottawa tech compare to Toronto?
Ottawa has fewer jobs but less competition and lower cost of living. Salaries are slightly lower (10-15%) but purchasing power can be higher. Ottawa specializes in telecommunications, cybersecurity, and government tech.
Q: What are the best Ottawa tech meetups and events?
Popular meetups include Ottawa JavaScript, Python Ottawa, Startup Drinks, and AWS Ottawa. Major events include the annual Startup Open House, CU Summit, and Ottawa Tech Week.
Q: Is a computer science degree required for Ottawa tech jobs?
Not strictly required. Many employers value skills and experience over degrees. Bootcamp graduates, self-taught developers with strong portfolios, and career changers all work in Ottawa tech.
Q: What’s the work culture like in Ottawa tech companies?
Ottawa tech culture tends to be less intense than Silicon Valley or Toronto. Work-life balance is generally good, especially at established companies. Startups may have faster paces but often offer flexibility.
Final Summary
Ottawa’s tech sector in 2025 offers exceptional opportunities for developers, engineers, and tech professionals at all career stages. With Kanata North anchoring a $18+ billion industry and downtown startups driving innovation, the capital’s tech ecosystem provides diverse paths to rewarding careers.
Key takeaways:
- Kanata North is the main hub with major employers
- Salaries range $85K-$150K+ for developers
- AI, cybersecurity, 5G are the hottest areas
- Remote work has expanded opportunities
- Networking is key in Ottawa’s tight-knit community
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or career changer, Ottawa’s tech sector welcomes talent ready to contribute to one of Canada’s most innovative regions.
Sources: Invest Ottawa, Kanata North BIA, Ottawa Tech Association, Statistics Canada
