Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
(NOC 2171)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyInformation systems analysts and consultants study, design, and develop information systems as business solutions. They provide advice on a wide range of information systems issues. Information systems analysts and consultants work for information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Relatively few workers in this occupation were laid off because of COVID-19. Many employees were able to work from home or in office spaces adapted to meet physical-distancing requirements. The widespread adoption of remote work has increased the number of opportunities for jobseekers in Nova Scotia to apply for jobs with employers in other provinces (and vice versa). This trend may apply upward pressure on wages in areas of the province where local businesses are now competing with employers in other cities for talent.
Employment in the information technology field has increased greatly in Nova Scotia in recent years. As such, many vacancies in this occupation result from employment growth. Most positions are in the Halifax region. Prospects in this occupation are typically good. Industry growth has tended to absorb the supply of qualified university graduates, keeping the number of jobseekers per vacancy reasonably low. While employers prefer workers with more experience and leading-edge skills, recent graduates should be able to find work with relative ease, particularly those coming out of co-op programs.
The median employment income for the 72% of Information Systems Analysts and Consultants who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $69,572. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$23.00
Minimum$35.00
Median$48.08
MaximumAnnual Pay
$21,272
Minimum$65,611
Median$98,117
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Information systems analysts and consultants study, design, and develop information systems as business solutions. They provide advice on a wide range of information systems issues. Information systems analysts and consultants work for information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Information systems business analysts and consultants:
- Consult with clients to identify and document requirements.
- Conduct business and technical studies.
- Design, develop, integrate, test, and implement information systems business solutions.
- Advise on information systems strategy, policy, management, security, and service delivery.
Systems security analysts:
- Consult with clients to identify and document requirements, assess physical and technical security risks to data, software, and hardware.
- Develop policies, procedures, and contingency plans to minimize the effects of security breaches.
Information systems quality assurance analysts:
- Develop and implement policies and procedures throughout the software development life cycle to maximize the efficiency, effectiveness and overall quality of software products and information systems.
Systems auditors:
- Conduct independent third-party reviews to assess quality assurance practices, software products and information systems.
Sample job titles
- business systems analyst
- computer consultant
- computer systems analyst
- data processing consultant
- information systems professional
- information technology (IT) analyst
- information technology certified professional
- management information systems (MIS) analyst
- quality assurance (QA) analyst
- systems security analyst
Skills
You should enjoy helping your clients develop solutions to meet their needs, and have good analytical and problem-solving skills. You must have good numerical ability and an understanding of mathematics, and be methodical and precise. Accuracy and good proofreading skills are required to detect, locate, and avoid errors in code. Oral and written communication skills are required in working with and advising clients. As these fields are constantly changing, you should always be prepared to update your knowledge and skills on a regular basis.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, business administration or a related discipline or completion of a college program in computer science is usually required.
- Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
Other considerations
Experience as a computer programmer is usually required.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Public administration
Wholesale trade
Educational services
Information and cultural industries
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$67,954 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$63,366 median annual incomeMaster
$62,247 median annual incomeHigh school
$65,263 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$67,472 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Computer and Information Sciences
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on computing, computer science, and information science and systems as part of a broad and/or interdisciplinary program. Such programs are undifferentiated as to title and content and are not to be confused with specific programs in computer science, information science, or related support services.
Institutions providing this program
Computer Science
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on computers, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. They include courses in the principles of computational science, and computing theory, computer hardware design, computer development and programming, and applications to a variety of end-use situations.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Informatics
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on computer systems from a user-centred perspective and studies the structure, behaviour and interactions of natural and artificial systems that store, process and communicate information. They include courses in information sciences, human computer interaction, information system analysis and design, telecommunications structure and information architecture and management.
Institutions providing this program
Information Technology
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the design of technological information systems, including computing systems, as solutions to business and research data and communications support needs. They include courses in the principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, application testing, and human interface design.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Information Technology Project Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to design, develop, and manage information technology projects in a variety of companies and organizations. They include courses in principles of project management, risk management, procurement and contract management, information security management, software management, organizational principles and behaviour, communications, quality assurance, financial analysis, leadership, and team effectiveness.
Institutions providing this program
Knowledge Management
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the study of knowledge management in government agencies and corporations for the purpose of supporting stated organizational goals and objectives, and prepares individuals to function as information resource managers. They include courses in information technology, principles of computer and information systems, management information systems, applicable policy and regulations, and operations and personnel management.
Institutions providing this program
Management Information Systems
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to provide and manage data systems and related facilities for processing and retrieving internal business information, select systems and train personnel, and respond to external data requests. They include courses in cost and accounting information systems, management control systems, personnel information systems, data storage and security, business systems networking, report preparation, computer facilities and equipment operation and maintenance, operator supervision and training, and management information systems policy and planning.
Institutions providing this program
Lower Sackville, NS
Halifax, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional designation. Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.
Special Requirements: Standards exist for this job in Nova Scotia. Certification or membership in a professional body may be required by employers, but a certificate is not needed to do this work.