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Big Data Software Developer, Computer Specialist, Data Scientist, Design Engineer, Engineer, Information Technology Specialist, Professional Engineer, Software Developer
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
Software engineers design, develop, modify, research, test, and maintain software. Examples include:
They may develop software that can be adapted for more than 1 application. They may develop custom embedded software for use in computer-controlled products such as consumer electronics or car engines.
Software engineers may also manage projects or work on architecture design for end-to-end solutions. They:
They may also:
Software engineers must keep their knowledge and skills up to date. This can be difficult because of rapid changes in technology. They often work as members of design teams. These teams may include:
Software engineers spend most of their time on computers in office settings. They may work a lot of overtime. They may feel pressure to meet deadlines.
They may have to travel to:
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, develop and test computer-based systems
Interest in precision working to assess, troubleshoot, document, upgrade and develop maintenance procedures for operating systems, communications environments and applications software
Interest in consulting to plan, design and co-ordinate the development, installation, integration and operation of computer-based systems; may lead and co-ordinate teams of information systems professionals in the development of software and integrated information systems
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.
Software 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 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Sep 11, 2024 and Jul 06, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Lead and co-ordinate teams of information systems professionals in the development of software and integrated information systems, process control software and other embedded software control systems | 70 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 49 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 47 |
| Construction Specialization: Initiative | 47 |
| Tasks: Coordinate the development, installation, integration and operation of computer-based systems | 47 |
| Attention to detail | 46 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 43 |
| Tasks: Collect and document user's requirements | 43 |
| Tasks: Develop software solutions by studying systems flow, data usage and work processes | 40 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 39 |
Employers prefer software engineers who have a 4-year bachelor’s degree in software engineering. They also accept bachelor’s degrees in a related discipline such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. Many employers will accept an equivalent amount of work experience.
Some employers only hire software engineers who have a master’s degree. Software engineers generally need a doctoral degree for a career in research and development.
Programming experience in high school is an asset. The first year of post-secondary study is the same for all engineering disciplines. Students specialize in software engineering in their second, third, and fourth years.
Some universities offer cooperative education or internships in engineering. Students can combine periods of academic study with work experience. Students usually take 5 years to complete these programs.
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 program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
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.
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop, or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies. They do so objectively applying specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf]. 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.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Information Systems Professional.
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: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Software engineers work for:
Working in a smaller company requires a broader range of skills. Duties with larger companies may be more specialized. With experience, software engineers can move into:
Those who want to manage may need additional training in business administration.
Senior software engineers with project lead or project management experience could become software architects.
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.
Software engineers and designers
2016 NOC: 2173
82.0% of people in this occupational group work in:
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 examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
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 examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
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 examples, see Note.
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 2021 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 | $24.00 | $73.41 | $46.68 | $45.67 |
| Overall | $29.09 | $80.91 | $53.11 | $48.24 |
| Top | $31.73 | $81.01 | $60.40 | $62.77 |
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 | $109,877 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $112,290 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $115,040 |
| Public Administration | $89,415 |
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: ab.cips.ca
Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.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.
