Description
Software developers and programmers design, write, and test code for new systems and software to ensure efficiency. They create the foundations for operative systems and run diagnostic programs to certify effectiveness. They 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.
Job Titles
- Application programmer
- Computer game developer
- Electronic business (e-business) software developer
- Interactive media developer
- Multimedia developer
- Software developer
- Software development project manager
- Software programmer
Main Duties
- Design, write, read, test, and correct code for new software
- Analyze information to recommend and plan the installation of new systems or modifications of an existing system
- Evaluate simple interrelationships between programs such as whether a contemplated change in one part of a program would cause unwanted results in a related part
- Program animation software to predefined specifications for interactive video games, Internet and mobile applications
- Write, modify, integrate and test software code for e-commerce, Internet and mobile applications
- Develop, implement, modify and maintain gameplay features that integrate effectively into existing software
- Write documentation for new and updated software.
Workplaces
- Computer software, computer and video game development firms
- Information technology consulting firms
- Information technology departments in the private and public sectors
- Self-employed
Skills
- Digital Literacy
- Digital Production
- Evaluation
- Troubleshooting
- Critical Thinking
Abilities
- Fluency of Ideas
- Information Ordering
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Numerical Ability
- Categorization Flexibility
Personal Attributes
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Independence
- Innovativeness
Similar Occupations
- Information systems specialists (21222)
- Database analysts and data administrators (21223)
- Computer systems developers and programmers (21230)
- Web developers and programmers (21234)
- Web designers (21233)
- Computer network and web technicians (22220)
- Information systems testing technicians (22222)
- Graphic designers and illustrators (52120)
- E-business managers (10022.04)
Source: OaSIS
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook will be good for Software developers and programmers (21232) 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 Software developers and programmers in Prince Edward Island:
- Approximately 400 people work in this occupation.
- Software developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors:
- Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 70%
- Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 17%
- Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 8%
- Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 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
Source: Job Bank
Prevailing Wages
| AREA | LOW | MEDIAN | HIGH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | $20.00 | $29.80 | $55.46 |
| Canada | $25.00 | $44.62 | $63.19 |
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.