Computer systems developers and programmers

Prince Edward Island

The employment outlook will be Good for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) 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.A moderate number of 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, especially in IT consulting firms, financial institutions, and government agencies. These professionals design, test, and maintain software applications, operating systems, and digital platforms used in nearly every sector. While user-friendly development tools have made basic programming more accessible, the need for skilled developers with expertise in AI integration, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and full-stack development continues to grow. Employment prospects are strongest for those proficient in modern programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, SQL), and who can adapt to agile workflows and collaborative environments. Many roles are contract-based or project-specific, offering flexibility but requiring continuous skill upgrades. Individuals should focus on building technical portfolios, mastering coding fundamentals, and developing communication and teamwork skills to function in this fast-evolving field. Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in Prince Edward Island: Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors: Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 42%Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 31%Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (NAICS 6112): 7%Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 7%Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 6% 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 occupations

Nova Scotia

The employment outlook will be Good for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.While employment related to the information technology sector has grown rapidly over the past decade, a cooler hiring environment in this occupation has been noted in recent years. Growing usage of artificial intelligence has also softened the demand for workers in entry-level positions in general. Jobseekers with a few years of experience will have a significant edge over recent university graduates.Demand for this occupation in smaller communities in the province is sometimes linked to automation of local manufacturers, which means that opportunities may arise sporadically and can be temporary in nature.Here are some key facts about computer systems developers and programmers in Nova Scotia: Approximately 700 people work in this occupation. Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors: Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 41%Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 10%Universities (NAICS 6113): 9%Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 8%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 92% compared to 82% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 8% compared to 18% for all occupations80% of computer systems developers and programmers work all year, while 20% 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 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.10% of computer systems 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: 73% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 27% 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: 15% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 30% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 40% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 16% compared to 10% for all occupations

British Columbia

The employment outlook will be Good for computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) in British Columbia 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 small 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 computer systems developers and programmers in British Columbia: Approximately 4,200 people work in this occupation. Computer systems developers and programmers mainly work in the following sectors: Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 50%Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 7%Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 5% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 91% compared to 78% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 9% compared to 22% for all occupations75% of computer systems developers and programmers work all year, while 25% 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.17% of computer systems 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: 81% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 19% 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: 14% 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: 20% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 46% compared to 22% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 16% compared to 12% for all occupations