Description
Computer systems developers and programmers write, modify, integrate and test computer code for software applications, data processing applications, operating systems-level software and communications software. They are employed in computer software development firms, information technology consulting firms, and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.
Job Titles
- Computer programmer
- Operating systems programmer
- Programmer analyst
- Scientific programmer
- Systems programmer
Main Duties
- Write, modify, integrate and test software code
- Maintain existing computer programs by making modifications as required
- Identify and communicate technical problems, processes and solutions
- Prepare reports, manuals and other documentation on the status, operation and maintenance of software
- Assist in the collection and documentation of user requirements
- Assist in the development of logical and physical specifications
- May lead and coordinate teams of computer programmers
- May research and evaluate a variety of software products.
Workplaces
- Computer software development firms
- Information technology consulting firms
- Information technology departments in the private and public sectors
- Self-employed
Skills
- Digital Literacy
- Digital Production
- Troubleshooting
- Critical Thinking
- Evaluation
Abilities
- Fluency of Ideas
- Information Ordering
- Categorization Flexibility
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
Personal Attributes
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Independence
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
Similar Occupations
- Information systems specialists (21222)
- Database analysts and data administrators (21223)
- Software engineers and designers (21231)
- Web developers and programmers (21234)
- Web designers (21233)
- Computer network and web technicians (22220)
- Information systems testing technicians (22222)
- E-business managers (10022.04)
Source: OaSIS
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook will be moderate for Computer systems developers and programmers (21230) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 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 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 many fields. They are primarily employed in computer systems design firms, as well as various levels of government and financial institutions.
P.E.I.’s “new media” industry served as a significant source of new employment opportunities in this occupation over the last decade. Computer programmers and media developers with experience and up-to-date skills in programming languages will have the best employment prospects. Technological advancements have made it increasingly easier for users to design, write and implement their own programs, thereby impacting the demand for programmers. In addition to sound technical knowledge, professionals with strong communication and soft skills may fare better in the labour market. Those who are willing to accept temporary or contract-based assignments may have greater employment opportunities.
Additional job opportunities may arise as programmers and developers are promoted to positions as computer analysts or consultants (NOC 2171), as database analysts or data administrators (NOC 2172) or to positions in management or as technical sales specialists in wholesale trade (NOC 6221).
Here are some key facts about Computer systems developers and programmers in Prince Edward Island:
- Approximately 200 people work in this occupation.
- Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:
- Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 41%
- Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 34%
- Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 10%
- 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 occupation
Source: Job Bank
Prevailing Wages
| AREA | LOW | MEDIAN | HIGH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | $17.00 | $38.83 | $71.43 |
| Canada | $24.62 | $41.54 | $62.98 |
Training
There are no known training programs for this occupation in PEI. If you are aware of a local training program, please contact us.
There are currently no job listings for this occupation on WorkPEI.