21232 – Software developers and programmers
Lead statement
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.
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.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering or in another discipline with a significant programming component or completion of a college program in computer science or related field is usually required.
- Progression to software engineer is possible with experience.
Example job titles
application programmer · computer application programmer · software development programmer · software programmer · teleprocessing software programmer · interactive media developer · electronic commerce (e-commerce) software developer · computer game developer · animation programmer · special effects programmer · interactive media programmer · multimedia developer · multimedia programmer · software developer · electronic business (e-business) software developer · graphical user interface (GUI) designer · graphical user interface (GUI) developer · mobile applications developer · cloud developer · software development project manager · computer game programmer · artificial intelligence programmer · graphics programmer
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $30.00 | $48.08 | $76.92 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $30.77 | $43.75 | $74.52 |
| Nova Scotia | $24.50 | $40.87 | $66.67 |
| New Brunswick | $28.00 | $45.67 | $74.04 |
| Quebec | $29.00 | $45.67 | $68.13 |
| Ontario | $30.29 | $48.08 | $77.40 |
| Manitoba | $30.00 | $41.03 | $62.02 |
| Saskatchewan | $28.85 | $48.07 | $68.68 |
| Alberta | $29.81 | $48.08 | $76.92 |
| British Columbia | $31.25 | $52.40 | $84.13 |
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.