Computer Programmers

Duties and Requirements

Main Duties *

Write computer programs or software packages by coding instructions and algorithms into machine readable form
Test, debug, document and implement computer programs or software packages
Maintain existing computer programs by making minor modifications as required
Act as a resource person, solving computer problems for users.

Employment Requirements

A bachelor's degree in computer science or in another discipline with a significant programming component, such as mathematics, commerce or business administration or Completion of a college program in computer science is usually required. Specialization in commercial or engineering and scientific applications requires specific post-secondary study or experience.
Senior positions in this unit group, such as programmer analyst, require experience. *

Labour Market Summary

Employment Trends/Outlook

Revised June 2000
Note: Some programmers are called software developers.

Many of Canada's largest software companies and hundreds of smaller firms have their headquarters in the Ottawa Region. Products and services offered by these companies include graphics software, network and service management applications, entertainment, educational and tutorial software, games, marketing support programs, corporate communications tools and computer consulting.

Employment in computer services grew significantly during the 1990's and demand for computer programmers is expected to remain strong for some time. Programmers are also employed in other industries such as government, insurance companies, architectural, engineering, and other scientific companies, and universities.

The development of new applications, the need for improvements to existing software and the expansion of client/server environments contribute to the need for programmers. The growth of electronic commerce and the need for sophisticated and secure electronic commerce capabilities (i.e. credit card transactions, monthly billing processes, and dynamic Web sites) that adapt to each user and their interests create additional opportunities.

Numerous job openings for programmers result from the need to replace programmers who move to other occupations or leave the labor force. Programmers frequently transfer to other occupations, such as systems analyst or manager.

Advertised demand in local newspapers softened in 1999 compared to 1998, but this drop does not indicate a decrease in demand for computer professionals. There is a shift in recruiting techniques from newspaper advertisements to other methods. Internet electronic labour exchanges are popular. There are numerous job fairs for computer professionals. Many high-tech companies maintain Web sites with Human Resources pages advertising their vacancies.

Wage Ranges

Terms and Conditions

Revised June 2000
To be successful in this field, it is essential to keep up-to-date on new technologies and their applications. The increase in the use of Linux operating systems and the introduction of Scalable Vector Graphics are two recent developments in technology. The Internet provides access to Web sites where programmers can share problems and solutions or gather information on emerging technologies. Training may be available through local training providers or through software vendors.

A growing number of programmers work on a temporary basis to customize software and solve short-term problems for firms. Specialized temporary help agencies and consulting firms send experienced programmers on assignment that may last from several weeks to many months.

While the majority of work is full time, day; weekend and evening work may be necessary in order to meet deadlines.

Seasonal variation is non-existent.

Typically, computer programmers work in an office with extensive computerized operations and networks.

Statistics Canada, in partnership with Human Resources Development Canada and ONESTEP, an umbrella organization for community-based training, conducted a Wage Survey in the spring of 1999. The following shows the Low, High and Average wage rates, respectively, from a survey of 21 employers from the Ottawa Region:

Starting:
$12.00; $25.64; $18.25
Starting with experience
$13.33; $31.79; $19.74
After One Year
$13.85; $34.36; $21.67
Most Frequently Paid
$18.46; $33.65; $24.77
High
$20.19; $50.00; $31.19

Other Survey Statistics:
Work is seasonal
0.0%
Offers Flexible Hours
52.1%
Work Has Shift Hours
13.0%
Offers a Pension or RRSP Plan
40.4%
Offers Other Types Of Employee Benefits
85.5%
Offers Other Form Of Cash Compensation
50.7%
Able To Find Qualified Staff In A Reasonable Time Frame
94.2%

The Local Wage Survey from the Ottawa HRCC shows the following from a sample of 202 wages rates:
Minimum: $8.67
First decile: $12.21
Average: $19.98
Ninth decile: $28.37
Maximum: $45.00

Indicators

Shortage of Skilled or Qualified Labour

Employment Potential

Ottawa Metro : Good

Ottawa Metro

Revised June 2000
Employers currently advertising for programmers frequently specify a degree in Computer Science or a related field. Graduates of 2-year programs, and people with less than a 2-year diploma or its equivalent in work experience, face stronger competition for programming jobs.

Employers frequently request the following skills:
object oriented programming experience
C/C++
application development utilizing relational databases such as Oracle (SQL, PL/SQL) or MS Access (Visual Basic)
web programming,
JAVA
Ada,
Perl
Browser plugins
Real-time
optimizing code for speed
application server programming
experience developing for Windows 95/98 or Windows NT
experience in Linux/UNIX application development
GUI design

Also requested are:
experience with vector graphics and user interface development
experience with MFC,
COM/OLE
experience developing for Macintosh
experience with the PostScript language or the Portable Document Format (PDF)
HTML programming
Extensible Markup Language (XML)
Document Object Model (DOM)
2D vector animation
Font technologies
Assembler
Active Server Pages (ASP)
Lotus Notes
COBOL, FORTRAN
embedded systems;
Experience in a multi-OS environment

High tech firms are looking for individuals who have strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills. Ingenuity and innovation are highly valued, but interpersonal skills, strong communication skills, ability to work in a group environment, under minimal supervision, and strong organizational skills are also deemed important.

Some jobs may require an Enhanced Reliability clearance.

No formal public licensing or accreditation of computer programmers exists in Ontario.

Basic Information

Nature of Work

Computer Programmers write computer programs by coding sets of instructions into machine- readable form. They are employed in computer software and consulting firms and in programming units throughout the private and public sectors. *

Example Titles *

• Programmer analyst
• Scientific programmer
• Programmer - computer systems
• Application programmer
• Software programmer
• Operating systems programmer
• Software development programmer
• Systems programmer
• Business programmer
• Computer programmer

Related Occupations *

Computer Operators (1421)
Computer Systems Analysts (2162)
Computer service technicians (in 2242 Electronic Service Technicians [Household and Business Equipment])
Computer training representatives (in 4131 College and Other Vocational Instructors)

Training and Associations

Training Availability

Ottawa Metro