NOC 21232: Software developers and programmers

The employment outlook will be Good for software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

This is a large occupation group, in which much of the work is found in Halifax as it offers a wide variety of potential employers across industries, including video game development. Job opportunities occur regularly, and those with the high level of specific skills will have an easier time in finding employment. Some lower-level programming tasks are increasingly being handled by artificial intelligence (AI). This has both softened the demand for junior workers and increased the need for candidates to keep up with rapidly evolving skills related to building and modifying AI models.

Graduates of advanced co-op programs will have the most success in breaking into the workforce. Remote hiring is common in the information technology field, so jobseekers may benefit from including remote opportunities in their job search.

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

Approximately 3,750 people work in this occupation.

Software developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 65%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 6%

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

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations

77% of software 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 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

9% of software 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: 86% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 14% compared to 49% 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 27% 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: 22% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 46% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 21% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) 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.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment demand will continue to benefit from the increased usage of the Internet and mobile technology as a channel for marketing business products and services as well as online retail transactions. Ongoing skills development is a requirement within this occupation as the rate of change and introduction of new technologies is more rapid compared to other occupations. In addition to sound technical knowledge, professionals with strong communication, soft skills and business knowledge may also fare better in the labour market. Work in this occupation is not limited by geographic boundaries, therefore business opportunities could be local, national, or global.

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

Approximately 1,250 people work in this occupation.

Software developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 72%

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

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations

76% of software developers and programmers work all year, while 24% 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 47 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

6% of software 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: 85% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 15% 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: 8% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 55% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 19% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) 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.

Not many 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, with software developers and programmers working in sectors like IT consulting, finance, government, gaming, and healthcare. They design, write, test, and maintain code for software applications and systems. While low-code platforms and automation tools have simplified some programming tasks, the need for skilled developers remains strong—especially those proficient in modern languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL. Employment growth in this occupation will be driven by digital transformation, cybersecurity, and AI integration. Many roles are contract-based or project-specific, offering flexibility but requiring continuous skill upgrades. Individuals should focus on building a strong technical portfolio, developing communication and teamwork skills, and staying current with emerging technologies to stay competitive in this evolving field.

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

Approximately 350 people work in this occupation.

Software developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 79%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 12%

Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 6%

80% of software developers and programmers work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

16% of software 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: 86% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 14% 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: 6% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 42% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 38% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 12% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) 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.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Software developers and programmers are employed in computer software, computer and video game development firms, information technology consulting firms, and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.

Ongoing developments in artificial intelligence, e-commerce, mobile applications, and other technologies should support demand for software developers and programmers, going forward.

Experience and up-to-date skills in programming languages such as Python, Structured Query Language (SQL), and Java will have the best employment prospects. Some employers may require experience with cloud-based platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Azure.

Developments in automation and artificial intelligence are likely to shift the tasks performed by software engineers and designers, particularly the automation of routine, junior-level tasks such as code writing.

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

Approximately 2,300 people work in this occupation.

Software developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 56%

Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 6%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 6%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 5%

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

6% of software 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: 84% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 16% 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: 11% 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: 22% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 50% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 17% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation primarily depends on the demand for professional, scientific, and technical services.

Sectors such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, cryptography, mobile application development, artificial intelligence and automation have had strong growth in recent years. The future of employment in this occupation depends heavily on developments in these fields.

After a period of strong growth, the IT sector is now going through a reorganization phase, which could slow down growth for some time. Despite an uncertain economic context, companies will nevertheless continue to invest in these technologies to remain competitive and improve efficiency. These investments should help create new jobs, even if their scope could be limited by the economic situation.

Artificial intelligence is also changing the sector. It is opening up new job opportunities, specifically in the development of that technology. However, it could also replace or change certain tasks that are carried out by these professionals, particularly with the use of AI-based coding tools, which could have a negative impact on employment.

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

Approximately 27,800 people work in this occupation.

Software developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 54%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 13%

Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (NAICS 52, 53): 8%

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

76% of software developers and programmers work all year, while 24% 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.

6% of software 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: 85% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 15% 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: less than 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: 18% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 48% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 28% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate 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 region.

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

Approximately 4,000 people work in this occupation.

Software developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 47%

Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 10%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 8%

Computer, electronic and electrical product manufacturing (NAICS 334-335): 5%

83% of software developers and programmers work all year, while 17% 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.

6% of software 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: 84% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 16% 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: 10% 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: 17% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 55% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 15% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate 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 software developers and programmers in Alberta:

Approximately 17,100 people work in this occupation.

Software developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 68%

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

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 20% for all occupations

77% of software developers and programmers 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 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

13% of software 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: 84% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 16% 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: 10% 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: 16% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 55% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 18% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate 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 software developers and programmers in British Columbia:

Approximately 26,650 people work in this occupation.

Software developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 66%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 9%

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

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations

77% of software developers and programmers 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 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

13% of software 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: 82% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 18% 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: 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: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 52% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 23% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Various industries, with the leading share employed in computer systems design and related services

Information and cultural industries, particularly software publishers

Finance and insurance companies, mainly banks

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

The extensive use of advanced digital tools across all industries

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 Java, JavaScript and Structured Query Language (SQL)

Experience with project management approaches such as Agile is also often required

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

In general, Bridging Training 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 software developers and programmers in Ontario:

Approximately 88,700 people work in this occupation.

Software developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 57%

Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 9%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 7%

77% of software developers and programmers work all year, while 23% 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.

11% of software 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: 79% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 21% 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: 11% 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: 11% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 50% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 27% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

Not many 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 software developers and programmers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 1,750 people work in this occupation.

Software developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 61%

Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 8%

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

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

80% of software 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.

6% of software 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: 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 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 9% 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: 17% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 56% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 17% compared to 7% 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.