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Computer Hardware Engineer, Computer Specialist, Design Engineer, Engineer, Hardware Engineer, Information Technology Specialist, Professional Engineer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $37.49 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $43.29 |
| Top | $50.06 |
Interest in synthesizing information to design and develop system architecture and hardware specifications; and in analyzing user requirements
Interest in precision working to develop and conduct equipment performance evaluation programs and prototype bench tests of components
Interest in supervising and inspecting the manufacturing, installation and implementation of computer and telecommunications hardware; may lead and co-ordinate teams of engineers, technologists, technicians and drafters
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Computer engineers specify, design, develop and test computer hardware and support peripherals. These include:
They may develop special purpose products that use computer technology and are embedded in other products (such as washing machine controls and automobile engines). This may require low- or high-level software design.
Computer engineers may specify, design, develop and test:
Computer engineers:
They also may:
Computer engineers must constantly update their knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid changes in their field. They often work as members of design teams that may include:
Computer engineers spend most of their time in an office or lab setting. They work with computers, test equipment, and document systems. They may work a lot of overtime. They may feel a lot of pressure to meet deadlines. They may need to climb, bend, and lift up to 20 kilograms.
Computer engineers need to possess:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 10 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 24, 2020 and Jul 19, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Research, evaluate and integrate network system and data communication hardware and software | 10 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Accurate | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Judgement | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Initiative | 8 |
| Assess, document and optimize the capacity and performance of information and communication system networks | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 6 |
| Area of Specialization: System integration | 6 |
| Operating Systems: MS Windows | 6 |
Computer engineers must have a 4-year degree in computer engineering or a related discipline such as electrical engineering. Some employers hire only those with a master’s degree in electrical engineering. A doctoral degree in engineering generally is required for a career in teaching or research.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes and structures.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf], you must be a registered member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering. You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.
Registration as a Professional Engineer in Alberta requires successful completion of:
A new Provisional Member category has been introduced. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, contact APEGA.
Engineers who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada are eligible for registration in Alberta if the 2 jurisdictions require similar responsibilities and competencies.
For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the APEGA website.
To learn about certification for internationally educated engineers, see Professional Engineer Registration Process.
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA)
1500 Scotia One, 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4A2
Canada
Call: 780-426-3990
Toll-free in North America: 1-800-661-7020
Email: email@apega.ca
Website: www.apega.ca
Computer engineers work in almost any industry in which computers are used. They most often work for companies involved in:
Working for smaller companies requires a broader range of skills. Duties with larger companies, on the other hand, may be more specialized. They also work for governments and hospitals.
With experience, computer engineers may start their own companies, move into marketing or other areas of engineering, or become supervisors or managers. Training or experience in business administration is an asset.
In Alberta, 79% of people employed as computer engineers work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2147: Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $56.51 | $37.49 | $37.14 |
| Overall | $27.00 | $62.61 | $43.29 | $41.35 |
| Top | $33.00 | $66.37 | $50.06 | $50.40 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $120,581 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $117,170 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $85,894 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $85,138 |
| Manufacturing | $85,103 |
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: www.cipsalberta.ca
Technology Alberta website: technologyalberta.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.