How to become a computer systems developer or programmer
Official title: Computer systems developers and programmers
Also called: Detail programmer, Programmer analyst, Systems programmer, Computer programmer, Scientific programmer, Mainframe systems programmer, Operating systems programmer, Satellite scientific telecommunications programmer, Electronic data processing (edp) applications programmer
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 public and private sectors.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- University: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $84,377 a year The middle half earn $65,618 to $99,996.
- About 45,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 47,300 are projected by 2033. (+3.5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Software engineers and designers
- Software developers and programmers
- Web designers
- Web developers and programmers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a computer systems developer or programmer?
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.
How much does a computer systems developer or programmer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $84,377 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $65,618 to $99,996.
Is a computer systems developer or programmer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2033, from about 45,700 to about 47,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a computer systems developer or programmer?
Not always. 56% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03