NOC 21230: Computer systems developers and programmers

The employment outlook will be Good for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) 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, especially in IT consulting firms, financial institutions, and government agencies. These professionals design, test, and maintain software applications, operating systems, and digital platforms used in nearly every sector. While user-friendly development tools have made basic programming more accessible, the need for skilled developers with expertise in AI integration, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and full-stack development continues to grow. Employment prospects are strongest for those proficient in modern programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, SQL), and who can adapt to agile workflows and collaborative environments. Many roles are contract-based or project-specific, offering flexibility but requiring continuous skill upgrades. Individuals should focus on building technical portfolios, mastering coding fundamentals, and developing communication and teamwork skills to function in this fast-evolving field.

Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 42%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 31%

Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (NAICS 6112): 7%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 7%

Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 6%

Less than 5% of computer systems developers and programmers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 80% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 20% 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: 9% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 53% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 32% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) in Nova Scotia 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 a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

While employment related to the information technology sector has grown rapidly over the past decade, a cooler hiring environment in this occupation has been noted in recent years. Growing usage of artificial intelligence has also softened the demand for workers in entry-level positions in general. Jobseekers with a few years of experience will have a significant edge over recent university graduates.

Demand for this occupation in smaller communities in the province is sometimes linked to automation of local manufacturers, which means that opportunities may arise sporadically and can be temporary in nature.

Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 700 people work in this occupation.

Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 41%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 10%

Universities (NAICS 6113): 9%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 8%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 18% for all occupations

80% of computer systems developers and programmers work all year, while 20% 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 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

10% of computer systems developers and programmers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 73% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 27% 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: 15% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 30% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 40% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 16% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) 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 a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

A growing tech sector, advancements in robotics and new innovation hubs, could create job opportunities.

Employment in this sector has fluctuated throughout 2025, as a tough investment climate and high interest on loans led some companies to reduce their workforce.

Employment opportunities are centered in the Lower Mainland-Southwest region, as many companies have headquarters offices in Metro Vancouver; Victoria and the Okanagan are also emerging as tech hubs.

Occupations that create automation systems include engineering, technology, and data science fields.

These roles are central to designing, building, and maintaining automated processes in industries like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and IT.

Some analytical duties of this occupation are likely to change with adoption of digital innovations, which may enable workers to do their jobs more efficiently.

Examples include cloud computing to improve data management and analysis (for example forecasting, optimizing, natural language processing), and blockchain for transparent and secure digital transactions.

Some technology companies, particularly software engineering teams, are transforming to adapt to AI as a product feature and to replace staff as a central operational strategy.

Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in British Columbia:

Approximately 4,200 people work in this occupation.

Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 50%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 7%

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 91% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 9% compared to 22% for all occupations

75% of computer systems developers and programmers work all year, while 25% 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 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

17% of computer systems developers and programmers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 81% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 19% 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: 14% 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: 20% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 46% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 16% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few 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.

Workers may improve their prospects by remaining informed about new systems and technologies and be knowledgeable in multiple programming languages. Entry to the industry may be improved by completing a co-op or work placement during post-secondary studies. In addition to sound technical knowledge, professionals with strong communication and soft skills may fare better in the labour market.

Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 22%

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 16%

Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (NAICS 6112): 12%

Universities (NAICS 6113): 12%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 8%

85% of computer systems developers and programmers work all year, while 15% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

9% of computer systems developers and programmers are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 82% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 18% 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: 9% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 49% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 43% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

These workers can be found across a variety of industries as their services are useful to a variety of operations. They are primarily employed in computer systems design firms, as well as various levels of government, financial institutions and other large organizations.

Ongoing developments in cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other technologies will continue to support demand for computer systems developers and programmers, going forward.

Computer systems developers and programmers with experience and up-to-date skills in programming languages such as C++, UNIX, SQL, Java and Visual Basic will have the best employment prospects. In addition to sound technical knowledge, professionals with strong communication skills may fare better in the labour market. Those who are willing to accept temporary or contract-based assignments may have greater employment opportunities.

Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 600 people work in this occupation.

Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 39%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 10%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 7%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 7%

Utilities (NAICS 22): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 16% for all occupations

83% of computer systems developers and programmers work all year, while 17% 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 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of computer systems developers and programmers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 81% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 19% 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: 13% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 37% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 32% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 11% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) 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 a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in Quebec:

Approximately 20,600 people work in this occupation.

Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 44%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 11%

Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (NAICS 52, 53): 9%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 18% for all occupations

77% of computer systems developers and programmers work all year, while 23% 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 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

8% of computer systems developers and programmers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 87% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 13% 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: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 39% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 33% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 17% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Various industries, but the leading share employed in computer systems design and related services, which include video game design and development

Finance and insurance, mainly banks

Public administration, largely federal government departments

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

The extensive use of advanced digital tools across all industries will continue to create job opportunities

However, the pace of job growth may be affected by recent restructuring in the technology sector

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

In addition to other formal education, employers tend to seek candidates with knowledge of programming languages, such as Structured Query Language (SQL) and JavaScript

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

In general, Bridging Programs are available to assist internationally trained professionals in various fields enter the labour market more quickly in the province.

Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in Ontario:

Approximately 14,800 people work in this occupation.

Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 38%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 12%

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 12%

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

78% of computer systems developers and programmers work all year, while 22% 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 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

12% of computer systems developers and programmers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 77% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 23% 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: 12% 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: 25% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 42% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 18% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) 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 a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by rapid technological advancement, the expansion of digital services, and the increasing complexity of software and systems.

Key trends for this occupation are in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.

While there are a growing number of tech startups and companies in the province, venture capital investment in the sector has decreased.

Jobs are concentrated in the Winnipeg and Southeast regions.

Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in Manitoba:

Approximately 1,000 people work in this occupation.

Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 27%

Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 9%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 7%

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 6%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations

80% of computer systems developers and programmers work all year, while 20% 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 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

8% of computer systems developers and programmers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 75% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 25% 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: 15% 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: 33% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 35% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 10% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) in Saskatchewan 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 a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Prevalence, growing concern, and rising costs of cybersecurity breaches should sustain jobs for this occupation.

Increased private and public-sector investments in digital infrastructure, including broadband projects and AI data centers.

Key technology trends related to artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, and cloud technologies.

Workers in this occupation are concentrated in the Regina and Saskatoon regions.

Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 550 people work in this occupation.

Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 39%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 20%

Universities (NAICS 6113): 9%

Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 7%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%

82% of computer systems developers and programmers work all year, while 18% 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 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

9% of computer systems developers and programmers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 73% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 27% 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: 8% 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: 25% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 46% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 16% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) 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 a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by rapid technological advancement, the expansion of digital services, and the increasing complexity of software and systems.

Key trends for this occupation are in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.

Most employment opportunities will be in Calgary or Edmonton.

Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in Alberta:

Approximately 3,300 people work in this occupation.

Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 50%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 91% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 9% compared to 20% for all occupations

71% of computer systems developers and programmers work all year, while 28% 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 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

17% of computer systems developers and programmers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 81% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 19% 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: 13% 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: 46% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 14% compared to 9% for all occupations

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.