Computer systems developers and programmers
High opportunity occupation
Career Overview
Computer systems developers and programmers design computer programs that work with operating systems and hardware. They write, edit and test computer code–the step-by-step set of instructions that tell a computer to perform a task.
Job Titles
Duties
Computer systems developers and programmers:
- Design software programs for personal computers, mainframes, mobile devices, embedded systems, operating systems-level software and communications software
- Write detailed and logical computer code, using numbers, letters and other symbols, in a variety of computer languages
- Test and update code to make sure that programs produce the expected results
- Solve technical issues
- Communicate with clients to understand their needs
- Write reports and manuals on the status, operation and maintenance of software
Some computer systems developers and programmers build or convert source code into something that a computer can execute. Some research and review software products. They may also lead and co-ordinate teams of computer programmers.
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
3,380% Employed Full Time
70%Computer systems developers and programmers work in the private and public sectors. They find jobs in computer software development companies and consulting firms. They also work in the information technology (IT) and other departments of larger organizations. Some are self-employed.
They usually work in teams, so communication is key. Some are able to work remotely or from home.
The work is analytical and precise. It also requires creativity, patience and the determination to solve problems. Updating and testing code can be a long process that demands careful attention to detail.
Computer systems developers and programmers spend a lot of time at computers. They often work long hours to meet release dates or fix issues. They must take care to avoid straining their eyes, back, neck, shoulders and other joints.
Career Pathways
Workers often begin their careers as junior developers or programmers or in quality assurance (QA) roles.
Computer systems developers and programmers can choose from many career paths, depending on their area of focus. They may work as computer systems analysts, information systems analysts, technical architects, information architects or designers, or multimedia designers or producers.
With experience, they may take on more responsibility, oversee projects and supervise staff. This might mean moving into roles such as senior developer, team lead or team manager.
Those with strong business knowledge might become the chief information officer (CIO) or chief executive officer (CEO) of a software company. Some start their own businesses.
Occupational Interests
It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.
For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Education, Training and Skills
Most jobs need a diploma or bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or in another programming-related area.
Workers who specialize in engineering or scientific-related programming need relevant post-secondary education or experience. Some employers may require workers to have knowledge of or certification in specific programming languages.
This field is always advancing. Workers must continue learning and upgrading their skills to keep up with technology. Often, employers pay for this training.
Workers also need good communication skills so they can explain technical problems and solutions to other developers and programmers and people who might not have a technical background.
Experienced computer systems developers and programmers can apply for Information Systems Professional (ISP) designation through Canada’s Association of Information Technology (IT) Professionals (CIPS).
Education programs in B.C.
Top Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations and the environment will affect outcomes.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Analyzing operational and product needs to create a design.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
3,380Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 30 | 0.9% |
| Kootenay | 35 | 1.0% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 2,480 | 73.4% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 0 | 0.0% |
| Northeast | 10 | 0.3% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 260 | 7.7% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 565 | 16.7% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
2,280Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 10 | 1.7% |
| Kootenay | 20 | 1.5% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 1,770 | 2.9% |
| North Coast and Nechako | Not available | Not available |
| Northeast | Not available | Not available |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 180 | 2.5% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 300 | 1.8% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
| Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 1,630 |
| Information, Culture and Recreation | 110 |
| Public Administration | 110 |
| Finance, Insurance and Real Estate | 90 |
| Retail Trade | 70 |
Insights from Industry
Demand for computer systems developers and programmers is strong and continues to grow. Demand is especially high for workers skilled in complex programming languages.
At the same time, the need for workers to do routine and repetitive tasks has decreased, since software can now write basic code and organizations can use automated testing programs. This shows the importance of keeping skills current to stay competitive.
Resources
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BC Tech Associationwww.wearebctech.com
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Canada's Association of I.T. Professionalswww.cips.ca
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Canada's Association of Information Technology (IT) Professionals - British Columbiawww.bc.cips.ca
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The Canadian Advanced Technology Allianceinnovationsoftheworld.com/canadian-advanced-technology
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Engineering Technology Canadawww.engineeringtechnologycanada.ca/en/CTINlanding
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First Nations Technology Councilwww.technologycouncil.ca
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Information and Communications Technology Councilwww.ictc-ctic.ca
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Information Resource Management Association of Canadawww.irmac.ca
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Information Systems Audit and Control Associationwww.isaca.org
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Technation.ca formerly the Information Technology Association of Canadaitac.ca