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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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Computer engineers specify, design, develop, and test computer hardware and the peripherals that support it. These include:
They may develop special purpose units for embedding computer technology in other consumer products, such as washing machine controls and automobile engines. This may require low- or high-level software design.
Computer engineers specify, design, develop, and test:
They:
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 and feel deadline pressure. They may need to climb, bend, and lift up to 20 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Computer engineers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 62 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 30, 2021 and Apr 23, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 52 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Assess, document and optimize the capacity and performance of information and communication system networks | 48 |
| Tasks: Research, evaluate and integrate network system and data communication hardware and software | 44 |
| Tasks: Research, design, develop and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware | 42 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 37 |
| Construction Specialization: Initiative | 37 |
| Tasks: Analyze user's requirements, and design and develop system architecture and specifications | 36 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 35 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 35 |
| Tasks: Research, design and develop information and communication system network architecture | 35 |
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. Computer engineers most often need a doctoral degree 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.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
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] and Engineering and Geoscience Professions General Regulation [pdf], you must register as a 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.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Engineer.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Computer engineers work in almost any industry that involves computer use. These most often include:
Working for smaller organizations requires a broader range of skills. Duties with larger companies, on the other hand, may be more specialized.
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.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 2147: Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) occupational group, 77.0% of people work in:
Employment outlook is 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.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $28.85 | $62.50 | $43.63 | $44.26 |
| Overall | $34.28 | $65.17 | $57.07 | $62.50 |
| Top | $36.06 | $79.33 | $67.08 | $72.67 |
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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $113,073 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $114,443 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $129,560 |
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: ab.cips.ca
Technology Alberta website: technologyalberta.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. 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.
