Emerging occupations typically are the result of:
- an increased human need (for example, alternate sources of energy)
- technological advances
- greater specialization within an occupation.
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation but future demand for search engine optimization specialists is unknown.
SEO specialists work for large software companies and consulting firms. Many of these are based outside Alberta. Most programmers employed in Alberta work in specialized software development firms. They may work in the information systems departments of large companies. These may include:
- software developers
- consulting firms
- marketing, insurance, oil, transportation, and utility firms
- municipal, provincial, and federal governments
- online retailers
- educational institutions
- financial companies.
They may work in the IT units of large private- or public-sector organizations. They may be self-employed. Most jobs are located in major urban areas. Outstanding individuals who have graduate degrees and many years on the job may become managers or private consultants.
Search engine optimization specialists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2175: Web designers and developers. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- location in Alberta
- trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- 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 C075: Web Designers and Developers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.