21230 – Computer systems developers and programmers
TEER 1Occupations usually requiring a university degree
Lead statement
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.
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.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree or college diploma program in computer science, computer engineering or in another discipline with a significant programming component
- Specialization in programming for engineering and scientific applications requires specific post-secondary study or experience.
Example job titles
programmer analyst · detail programmer · computer programmer · mainframe systems programmer · operating systems programmer · scientific programmer · systems programmer · satellite scientific telecommunications programmer · electronic data processing (EDP) applications programmer
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $25.43 | $43.27 | $65.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $23.94 | $40.00 | $69.71 |
| Nova Scotia | $20.00 | $38.46 | $69.71 |
| New Brunswick | $23.94 | $40.00 | $69.71 |
| Quebec | $25.43 | $42.31 | $69.00 |
| Ontario | $27.04 | $45.67 | $62.67 |
| Manitoba | $27.56 | $42.91 | $71.48 |
| Saskatchewan | $27.88 | $38.46 | $50.94 |
| Alberta | $19.23 | $40.87 | $57.69 |
| British Columbia | $28.57 | $44.00 | $69.23 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.