NOC 2021 · 21221 · TEER 1
NOC 21221: Business systems specialists
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Business systems specialists perform detailed system tests, produce reports and develop new system architectures. They must also identify the strategic objectives of a company and translate these objectives into achievable tasks for an organization's information technology department. They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the public and private sectors.
TEER
TEER 1
Usually needs a university degree
Median wage (Canada)
$45.13 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 2
+40 CRS for Canadian work, or 70 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
None
General and program draws only
Express Entry
How NOC 21221 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: not eligibleNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 21221 is in tier 2 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +40 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 70 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
NOC 21221 is not on any of IRCC's 2026 occupation categories. You can still be invited through general, program-specific or French-language draws.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Confer with clients to identify and document requirements
- Analyze information systems processes, and propose customized solutions to improve performance and efficiency
- Design, develop, integrate, test and implement information systems business solutions
- Provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management, security and service delivery
- Act as a liaison between the business units, technology teams and support teams
- Conduct tests to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and functionality of system changes and enhancements
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- business systems analyst
- business systems consultant
- business systems specialist - computer systems
- information systems business analyst
- information technology (IT) business analyst
All 22 job titles in NOC 21221
- business analyst - computer systems
- business continuity analyst
- business data analyst
- business intelligence analyst - information technology (IT)
- business intelligence specialist
- business process analyst
- business solutions consultant
- business systems analyst
- business systems consultant
- business systems specialist - computer systems
- computer systems business analyst
- enterprise resource planning analyst
- functional consultant - information systems
- human resource information system analyst
- informatics business analyst
- information systems business analyst
- information systems implementation consultant
- information systems technical analyst
- information systems technical specialist
- information technology (IT) business analyst
- systems business re-engineering analyst
- technical business analyst
Requirements
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in computer science, business administration, information systems or a related discipline or completion of a college program in computer science is usually required.
- Certification or training may be required by some employers.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 21221 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $30.67 | $45.13 | $62.50 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $33.96 | $46.33 | $60.66 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Prince Edward Island | $28.84 | $38.34 | $52.85 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $27.00 | $46.15 | $66.67 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $25.38 | $38.50 | $53.33 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $30.05 | $46.15 | $67.39 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $33.33 | $45.13 | $62.50 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $27.98 | $43.50 | $57.69 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $29.02 | $47.85 | $56.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $33.33 | $48.08 | $72.12 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $27.40 | $42.40 | $60.44 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia.
GoodPrince Edward Island
The employment outlook will be Good for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
The prospect for employment in this occupation is expected to be favorable as organizations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, cloud computing, and data-driven decision-making. These professionals analyze, design, and optimize information systems to align with business goals, and are employed in IT consulting firms, financial institutions, healthcare, and all levels of government. The shift toward e-health technologies, cybersecurity, and AI integration continues to fuel growth in this field. While most opportunities are concentrated in urban centers, smaller communities may face challenges attracting and retaining talent. Individuals pursuing this career should focus on building strong analytical skills, learning multiple programming languages, and staying current with emerging technologies. Certifications in systems analysis, cloud platforms, or cybersecurity should enhance job prospects in this profession.
Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in Prince Edward Island:
Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors:
Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 36%
Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 24%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 20%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 11%
Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 10%
18% of business systems specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 33% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 67% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 32% compared to 25% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 26% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 21% compared to 8% for all occupations
GoodNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 550 people work in this occupation.
Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors:
Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 27%
Utilities (NAICS 22): 12%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 12%
Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 7%
Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 7%
82% of business systems specialists work all year, while 18% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
6% of business systems specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 53% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 47% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 47% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 22% compared to 10% for all occupations
ModerateNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Moderate for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Business systems specialists are employed in information technology consulting firms, information technology research and development firms, and information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.
Candidates with experience in data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data privacy, and strong communication skills will have enhanced job prospects.
Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in New Brunswick:
Approximately 800 people work in this occupation.
Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors:
Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 30%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 16%
Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 11%
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 6%
Universities (NAICS 6113): 5%
86% of business systems specialists work all year, while 14% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 50 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 45% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 55% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 10% compared to 30% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 46% compared to 16% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 17% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModerateManitoba
The employment outlook will be Moderate for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in Manitoba:
Approximately 800 people work in this occupation.
Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors:
Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 34%
Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 19%
Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 6%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 94% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations
88% of business systems specialists work all year, while 12% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
6% of business systems specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 53% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 47% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 9% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 43% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 21% compared to 8% for all occupations
ModerateSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Moderate for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 700 people work in this occupation.
Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors:
Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 34%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 13%
Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 8%
Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 6%
Universities (NAICS 6113): 6%
84% of business systems specialists work all year, while 16% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
7% of business systems specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 56% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 44% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 14% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 15% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 19% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 45% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 16% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModerateBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Banking, insurance and property services are several of the sectors that are undergoing increased technological innovation and rapid digitalization that is expected to increase the need for skilled workers in data analysis, cybersecurity and digital client services.
Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in British Columbia:
Approximately 4,300 people work in this occupation.
Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors:
Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 28%
Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 8%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 8%
Hospitals (NAICS 622): 8%
Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 6%
79% of business systems specialists work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
13% of business systems specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 54% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 46% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 8% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 49% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 24% compared to 12% for all occupations
LimitedQuebec
The employment outlook will be Limited for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in Quebec:
Approximately 6,100 people work in this occupation.
Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors:
Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 36%
Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (NAICS 52, 53): 16%
Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 9%
78% of business systems specialists work all year, while 22% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
8% of business systems specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 59% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 41% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 41% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 27% compared to 11% for all occupations
LimitedOntario
The employment outlook will be Limited for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in Ontario:
Approximately 18,200 people work in this occupation.
Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors:
Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 30%
Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 20%
Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 5%
Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 5%
79% of business systems specialists work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
12% of business systems specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 55% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 45% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 8% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 46% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 28% compared to 13% for all occupations
LimitedAlberta
The employment outlook will be Limited for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in Alberta:
Approximately 3,300 people work in this occupation.
Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors:
Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 37%
Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 7%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%
77% of business systems specialists work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
15% of business systems specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 54% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 46% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 11% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 45% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 20% compared to 9% for all occupations
UndeterminedNewfoundland and Labrador
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNorthwest Territories
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 21221 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
Same occupation group
Computer and information systems professionals
Questions
NOC 21221: common questions
What is the NOC code for business systems specialists?
What TEER category is NOC 21221?
Is NOC 21221 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 21221 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 21221 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 21221 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 2Natural and applied sciences and related occupationsBroad Category
- 21Professional occupations in natural and applied sciencesMajor Group
- 212Professional occupations in applied sciences (except engineering)Sub-major Group
- 2122Computer and information systems professionalsMinor Group
- 21221Business systems specialists
Enquiry
Is NOC 21221 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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