Software engineer is vital to any company that either makes its own software programs or customizes third-party software. These professionals are responsible for software writing, reviewing, and editing. The field includes experts in the many different levels of software development.
They can find employment in information technology consulting firms, information technology research and development firms, and information technology units both in the private and public sectors.
Job prospects for software engineers in Canada
What are the roles and responsibilities of NOC 2173?
Software engineers and designers come under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2173. These professionals plan, strategize, assess, incorporate and maintain applications in software. They also support operating systems, information databases, and technological environments, among others. Their roles involve maintaining networks and technological infrastructure. They also test, troubleshoot, and upgrade systems.
They are hired by information technology (IT) services and product companies. These days, falling under this umbrella are new-age professionals employed in technologies such as technologies, data science, data analytics, digital marketing, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security, etc.
Software engineer-NOC 2173
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 NOC code assigned.
In Canada, an individual working in an occupation with NOC 2173 can expect to earn somewhere between CAD 28.85/hour and CAD 67.31/hour.
The median or average wage for software engineers and designers in Canada is CAD 45.67 per hour and the maximum wages for this profession is in the Canadian province of Alberta where the median wage is CAD 48.08 per hour.
| Prevailing Hourly wages for NOC 2173 in Canada | |||
| Low | Median | High | |
| CANADA | 28.85 | 45.67 | 67.31 |
| Province/ Territory | Low | Median | High |
| Alberta | 33.17 | 48.08 | 64.10 |
| British Columbia | 25.00 | 46.63 | 67.31 |
| Manitoba | 13.46 | 38.97 | 66.67 |
| New Brunswick | 27.40 | 36.78 | 58.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 27.40 | 35.71 | 54.36 |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 27.88 | 37.08 | 51.28 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 29.81 | 46.15 | 67.31 |
| Prince Edward Island | 27.40 | 35.71 | 54.36 |
| Quebec | 28.85 | 38.46 | 57.69 |
| Saskatchewan | 20.00 | 36.06 | 59.63 |
| Yukon | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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Skills/Knowledge required for NOC 2173 in Canada
Generally, the following skills and knowledge will be required for working in Canada as a software engineer –
| Skills | Working with technological equipment and machinery | · Debugging and reprogramming technical systems
· Installing and setting-up technical infrastructure |
| Management | · Coordinating and organizing
· Supervising |
|
| Analysis | · Inspecting and testing
· Planning · Projecting outcomes · Researching and investigating |
|
| Communication | Liaising and networking | |
| Creative expression
|
· Designing
· Writing |
|
| Knowledge | Engineering and technology | · Computer and information systems
· Design |
| Law and public safety | Public safety and security | |
| Mathematics and science | Mathematics |
3-year job prospect-The job prospect in the next three years for software engineers is good in most provinces of Canada.
Future job prospects for NOC 2173 in Canada, by province and territory.
| Job prospects | Location in Canada |
| Good | · British Columbia
· New Brunswick · Nova Scotia · Ontario · Prince Edward Island · Quebec · Saskatchewan |
| Fair | · Alberta
· Manitoba· |
| Limited | -- |
| Undetermined | · Newfoundland and Labrador
· Northwest Territories · Nunavut · Yukon |
10-year predictions
For software engineers, new job openings over the period between 2019-2028 is expected to be 27,500, while 24,000 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 2019-2028. It is estimated that retirements and job growth will account for about 60 per cent of all job openings.
Employment is expected to rise at a considerably higher rate than all occupations combined. As a result, job growth would account for more than half of all jobs, which is higher than the average of all occupations (about 27 percent of jobs). It is estimated that there will be a shortage of employees which will account for 20% of vacant positions in the next ten years.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering or mathematics or completion of a college program in computer science
- A master’s or doctoral degree in a related discipline
- Engineers are eligible for registration after graduating from an accredited educational program, gaining three or four years of work experience in engineering, and passing a professional practice examination
- Experience as a computer programmer
License requirements
As NOC 2173 comes under “regulated occupations”, proper certification from a regulatory authority in Canada will be required before commencing to work in Canada as a software engineer.
The regulatory authority that certifies the individual will be as per that specific province or territory.
| Location | Regulatory body |
| Alberta | Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta |
| British Columbia | Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia |
| Manitoba | Engineers Geoscientists of Manitoba |
| New Brunswick | Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Northwest Territories | Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists |
| Nova Scotia | Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia |
| Nunavut | Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists |
| Ontario | Professional Engineers Ontario |
| Prince Edward Island | Association of Professional Engineers of Prince Edward Island |
| Quebec | Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec |
| Saskatchewan | Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan |
| Yukon | Engineers of Yukon |
Responsibilities of a software engineer
- Collecting and documenting user expectations and creating conceptual and physical requirements
- Study, analyze and synthesize technical knowledge, including mobile applications, to design, build and test computer-based systems
- Develop data, process and network models for system architecture optimization and system performance
- Plan, design, and organize computer-based systems development, deployment, integration, and operation including mobile applications
- Assess, test, troubleshoot, record, update and improve operating system maintenance procedures, communications environments and software applications
There are many ways for a software engineer to migrate overseas to Canada with family.
A software engineer might acquire Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry system of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
A nomination – by a provincial or territorial government part of the Canadian Provincial Nominee Program – guarantees an invitation to apply by IRCC.
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