An Information systems analyst or an IT analyst analyzes and test systems requirements helps to develop and implement information systems development plans, policies and procedures. They also provide advice on information systems issues.
IT analysts are employed by IT consulting firms, IT units in public and private companies or may be self-employed.
They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the public and private sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job prospects for IT analysts in Canada
IT analyst -NOC 2171
All jobs available in the labour market in Canada are classified as per the National Classification Code (NOC). Each of the occupation groups has a unique 4-digit NOC code assigned.
In Canada, an individual working in an occupation with NOC 2171 can expect to earn somewhere between CAD 24.00/hour and CAD 57.69/hour.
The average or median wage for this profession is CAD 39.42 per hour and the maximum wages for this profession is in the Canadian province of Alberta where the median wage is CAD 43.30 per hour.
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Prevailing Hourly wages for NOC 2171 in Canada
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| Low | Median | High | |
| CANADA | 24.00 | 39.42 | 57.69 |
| Province/ Territory | Low | Median | High |
| Alberta | 27.00 | 43.30 | 68.38 |
| British Columbia | 24.04 | 38.00 | 51.28 |
| Manitoba | 22.00 | 40.10 | 56.00 |
| New Brunswick | 23.38 | 37.50 | 51.28 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 26.44 | 36.06 | 62.50 |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 23.00 | 35.00 | 48.08 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 23.56 | 39.00 | 57.69 |
| Prince Edward Island | 22.12 | 34.62 | 52.00 |
| Quebec | 24.04 | 39.56 | 54.95 |
| Saskatchewan | 26.92 | 42.50 | 56.41 |
| Yukon | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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Skills/Knowledge required for NOC 2171 in Canada
Generally, the following skills and knowledge will be required for working in Canada as an IT analyst –
| Skills | Management | Evaluating
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| Analysis
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· Analyzing information
· Planning · Projecting outcomes
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| Communication
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· Advising and consulting
· Professional communicating · Liaising and networking
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| Information handling | · Managing information
· Processing information
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| Knowledge | Law and public safety | Public safety and security |
| Engineering and technology | Computer and information systems | |
| Business, finance and management | Business administration | |
| Essential skills | · Reading
· Document use · Writing · Numeracy · Oral communication · Thinking · Digital technology
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| Other essential skills | · Working with others
· Continuous learning |
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3-year job prospect-The job prospect in the next three years for IT analysts is good in most provinces of Canada.
Future job prospects for NOC 2171 in Canada, by province and territory.
| Job prospects | Location in Canada |
| Good | · British Columbia
· Manitoba · New Brunswick · Newfoundland and Labrador · Nova Scotia · Ontario · Quebec · Saskatchewan
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| Fair | · Alberta
· Prince Edward Island
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| Limited | - |
| Undetermined | · Northwest Territories
· Nunavut · Yukon
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10-year predictions
For IT analysts, new job openings over the period between 2019-2028 is expected to be 113,000, while 98,700 new job seekers will be available to fill them.
Projected job vacancies are projected to be substantially higher for job applicants, thereby creating a shortage of jobs over the period of 2019-2028.
Employment growth for IT analysts is projected to be one of the strongest among all occupations. Regarding job openings in the next ten years, job creation will represent 47% of all openings, which is above average considering it is 27% for other occupations. Most of these professionals work in areas such as the design of computer systems and related facilities, as well as in the fields of banking, insurance, real estate and leasing services, telecommunications, and information services. Demand is expected to increase due to technological improvements for jobs in this profession. Indeed, rapid innovation will continue, encouraging Canadian companies to develop their IT infrastructure.
It is estimated that there will be a shortage of employees which will account for 15% of vacant positions in the next ten years.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, business administration or a related discipline
- Experience as a computer programmer
- Some employers may demand Certification or training provided by software vendors
License requirements
IT analysts require a certification from a regulatory authority before they start working, though it is not mandatory in all provinces. The table below gives details of regulatory requirements of provinces where it is compulsory:
| Location | Job title | Regulation | Regulatory body |
| Alberta | Information Systems Professional (certified) | Regulated | Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta CIPS Alberta |
| Québec | Video Game Tester | Regulated | Emploi Québec |
| Saskatchewan | Information Systems Professional | Regulated | Canadian Information Processing Society of Saskatchewan Inc. |
Responsibilities of an IT analyst
- Define and record specifications, confer with customers
- Carry out the organization and professional surveys
- Design, develop and implement enterprise solutions for information systems
- Provide guidance on strategy, policy, management and service delivery of information systems
- Assess data, software and hardware physical and technical security risks
- Develop policies, procedures and contingency plans to mitigate the consequences of security breaches
- Develop and apply policies and procedures during the life cycle of software development
- Analyze quality assurance activities, software products and information systems, perform reviews
Permanent residence in Canada can be acquired through various pathways.
The most sought-after Canada immigration routes for a foreign skilled worker are – the Express Entry system, and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
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