Interactive Media Programmer
Interactive media programmers write, edit, integrate, and test computer code. They do this for internet applications, e-learning software, computer games, film and animation, video, and other interactive media.
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Avg. Salary $84,210.00
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Avg. Wage $41.84
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Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary
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Outlook avg
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Employed 13,600
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In Demand High
Also Known As
Computer Specialist, Graphic Artist, Information Technology Specialist, Multimedia Developer / Programmer, Software Developer, Video Games Programmer
NOC Codes
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: Interactive Media Developers (2174.2)
- 2006 NOC-S: Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers (C074)
- 2011 NOC: Computer programmers and interactive media developers (2174)
- 2016 NOC: Computer programmers and interactive media developers (2174)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
43%
43%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $31.14 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $41.84 |
| Top | $54.54 |
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Certification Provincially Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Interest Codes
The Interactive Media Programmer is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Interactive Media Developers
- INNOVATIVE
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Interest in analyzing information to develop logical and physical specifications and to research and evaluate a variety of interactive media software products
- METHODICAL
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Interest in precision working to test, correct and refine software code and to ensure applications meet original specifications; and in planning and scheduling work within set targets
- DIRECTIVE
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Interest in speaking to discuss user requirements and to identify and communicate technical problems, processes and solutions
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
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.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Duties vary in this rapidly evolving role. In general, interactive media programmers:
- work closely with graphic designers, visual artists, and others to collect content and document user needs
- help plan and develop logical programming specifications
- develop user interfaces for interactive digital media (such as HTML5 applications, mobile platforms, and other gaming console platforms)
- program animations for the web and other apps
- write, edit, integrate and test software code for e-commerce, database systems, and other Internet apps
- research and assess interactive media software products.
Programmers must keep up to date with new developments. To do this, they share information via social media and open source websites and read computer-related articles, journals, and magazines. They also go to training courses and conferences.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Interactive media programmers often work in offices or studios. Their work spaces must be equipped with leading-edge technology. Some self-employed programmers work from home.
This job may require some overtime to meet project deadlines. It may also involve some travel. Programmers attend both in-person and virtual meetings (hosted with video-based apps).
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Interactive media programmers need to possess:
- the ability to think logically and abstractly
- the ability to pay attention to detail
- research skills (to discover effective methods for programming)
- the ability to work on their own or as part of a team in a creative setting
- an active interest in keeping up with advances in technology.
They should enjoy:
- studying problems to find creative solutions
- taking a step-by-step approach to precision work.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Interactive media programmers often started in other positions. For example, they may have been graphic designers or software engineers. There are no standard education requirements. However, most employers expect applicants to have at least 2 years of related post-secondary education or experience for entry-level positions.
Computer technology is constantly changing. This means that interactive media programmers must continuously upgrade their knowledge.
Universities, colleges, technical institutes, and private vocational schools throughout Alberta offer many design and computer science programs. Before enrolling, prospective students should discuss their education options with experienced interactive media programmers and potential employers.
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
Alberta University of the Arts
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary North
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton City Centre
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton North
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton West
InnoTech College (Calgary)
InnoTech College (Edmonton)
Lethbridge College
Lighthouse Labs
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Pixel Blue College
Visual College of Art and Design - Calgary
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Information Systems Professional
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies through the objective application of specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Legislation
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.
What You Need
The Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) has defined the body of knowledge required for certification and recognizes the many different ways this standard may be achieved. Applicants must provide documented evidence for 1 of the following I.S.P. designation criteria routes: (1) Established Academic, (2) IT Industry Leader, (3) Established IT Professional, (4) Education Plus Experience, (5) Exam, (6) Professional Experience Only (applicants must have entered the field prior to 1976), or (7) Upgrade from Candidate Status. For official, detailed information, visit the CIPS website, CIPS Alberta website or contact CIPS Alberta.
Working in Alberta
Information systems professionals who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered professionals in the 2 jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
Contact Details
Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta
PO Box 21085
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6R 2V4
Phone Number: 780-431-9311
Toll-free phone number: 1-844-431-9311
Fax number: 780-413-0076
E-mail: alberta@cips.ca
Website: ab.cips.ca
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Interactive media programmers work for:
- communication design studios
- software development firms
- interactive software developer teams
- media production companies
- IT consulting firms
- personal home businesses (freelance)
- the IT units of large private- or public-sector organizations
They may also be self-employed.
Experienced interactive media programmers may move into related positions such as web designer or game developer.
Interactive media programmers are part of a larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2174: Computer programmers and interactive media developers. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf]
- Information, Culture and Recreation [pdf]
- Manufacturing [pdf]
- Public Administration [pdf]
- Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction [pdf].
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
- size of the occupation.
In Alberta, the C074: Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers occupational group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.7% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 211 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.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Salaries vary and depend on the duties of the position and the person’s education and experience.
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $39.70 | $31.14 | $32.69 |
| Overall | $26.45 | $58.96 | $41.84 | $38.78 |
| Top | $33.00 | $85.58 | $54.54 | $51.44 |
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.
A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Public Administration | $90,104 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $89,440 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $87,366 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $84,210 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $76,000 |
| Manufacturing | $70,009 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
43%
43%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
41%
41%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
11%
11%
Vacancy Rate
3%
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: www.cipsalberta.ca
Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca
International Game Developers Association (IGDA) website: www.igda.org
Technology Alberta website: technologyalberta.com
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
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.
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