Computer programmers create, modify and test the forms, scripts and code that tell computers what to do.

Computer programmers may combine and adapt existing programs or program components, or actually write computer code. They use application design and development tools, and different computer and database languages for different types of applications (for example, business, commercial, engineering or scientific software). Programming also is used in the creation of many web applications.

In general, computer programmers:

• work from specifications drawn up by systems analysts or discuss requirements with people who will be using the program
• analyze requirements to determine what steps need to be taken and in what order, and translate these steps into computer language commands
• test and debug programs to ensure they work properly and address security and privacy concerns
• document programs and procedures by writing descriptions of what the programs do and how they do it, by preparing user manuals or help screens and by updating case repositories
• maintain existing computer programs by making minor modifications as required.

Computer programmers work in an office environment. Overtime may be required to meet deadlines or to debug programs that are not running properly.

Most computer programmers have completed a post-secondary education program in computer science or a related discipline that has a significant programming component. There are a wide variety of three and four year degree programs, two year diploma programs and one year certificate programs in this field that are offered by universities, colleges, technical institutes and private vocational schools.

Before enrolling in an education or training program, prospective programmers should:

• decide what type of programming work they want to do (and in which industry)
• talk to potential employers about required and preferred qualifications for that type of programming.

After graduation, all programmers must continuously upgrade their knowledge in this rapidly changing field.

In Alberta, the following post-secondary education institutions offer programs directly related to computer programming:

• Academy of Learning, a private vocational school in Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat and Red Deer
• Athabasca University (distance education program)
• Concordia University College of Alberta in Edmonton
• DeVry Institute of Technology, a private vocational school in Calgary
• Grande Prairie Regional College 
• Keyano College in Fort McMurray
• The King's University College in Edmonton  
• Lethbridge College
• Medicine Hat College
• Mount Royal College in Calgary
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton
• Red Deer College
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary 
• the University of Alberta in Edmonton and Camrose
• the University of Calgary
• the University of Lethbridge.

Entrance requirements vary. In general, admission to university programs (other than Athabasca University) requires a competitive average (ranging from 60 to 80 per cent depending on the program) in English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Math 30 and three other approved 30 level subjects (Math 31 and Physics 30 recommended). Admission to college and technical institute programs generally requires a high school diploma with specified Grade 12 English and Grade 11 or 12 math courses, or equivalent.

For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

Continuing education programs may be offered on an as needed basis.

Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. This means that to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the I.S.P. designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.

Computer programmers are employed by large software companies and consulting firms, many of which are based outside Alberta. Most programmers employed in Alberta work in the information systems departments of large organizations or in specialized software development firms. Employers include:

• consulting firms
• software developers
• insurance, oil, transportation and utility companies
• municipal, provincial and federal governments
• educational and financial institutions.

Some programmers are involved in research and scientific work for universities, research foundations and computer design and manufacturing companies. Some work as consultants, developing programs for companies with specific software needs. A small percentage are employed as programming instructors in colleges and institutes of technology.

Junior programmers require two or three years of experience and additional training to become applications or systems programmers. Experienced programmers may become lead applications programmers or systems analysts. With additional training and experience, programmers may move into related fields such as database administration, systems security or network design.

Computer Programmers are part of a larger National Occupational Classification 2174: Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers. In Alberta, 81 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
• Information, Culture and Recreation
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction
• Educational Services
• Manufacturing.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next ten years.

Salaries for computer programmers depend on the education and experience of the programmer, and the size, location and type of employer.

According to the 2009 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers occupational group earned from $16.83 to $113.22 an hour. The average wage was $38.17 an hour.

For more detailed information, see WAGEinfo.

Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) website: www.cips.ca

Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca

Discover IT website: www.discoverit.org