Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
(NOC 2171)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyInformation systems analysts and consultants analyze systems requirements, develop and implement information systems development plans, policies and procedures, and provide advice on a wide range of information systems issues. They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Information Systems Analysts and Consultants most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 75% of Information Systems Analysts and Consultants who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $69,572. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$19.23
Minimum$35.00
Median$51.03
MaximumAnnual Pay
$21,272
Minimum$65,611
Median$98,117
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Information systems analysts and consultants analyze systems requirements, develop and implement information systems development plans, policies and procedures, and provide advice on a wide range of information systems issues. They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
The following is a summary of the main duties for some jobs in this group:
- Information systems business analysts and consultants confer with clients to identify and document requirements, conduct business and technical studies, design, develop, integrate and implement information systems business solutions, and provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management, security and service delivery.
- Systems security analysts confer with clients to identify and document requirements, assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware, and 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
To work in these jobs, 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
Computer System Design Services
Public Administration
Wholesale Trade
Educational Services
Information, Culture & Recreation
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Bachelor's degree
$65,342 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$56,844 median annual incomeDoctorate
$66,308 median annual incomeHigh school
$50,867 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$59,960 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 median annual incomeEducation & training
Computer and information sciences - General
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any general program that focuses 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
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
Computer science
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any general program that focuses on computers, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. These programs 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
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
Informatics
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses 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. These programs include courses in information sciences, human computer interaction, information system analysis and design, telecommunications structure and information architecture and management.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
Information technology
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the design of technological information systems, including computing systems, as solutions to business and research data and communications support needs. These programs 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
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
50 Elliott Road
Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Knowledge management
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses 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. These programs 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
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Management information systems - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals 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. These programs 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
800 Sackville Drive
Lower Sackville, NS B4E 1R8
(902) 463-6700
6960 Mumford Road, Suite 155-1st Floor Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 455-3395
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Management science - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any general program that focuses on the application of mathematical modelling, programming, forecasting and operations research techniques to the analysis of problems of business organization and performance. These programs include courses in optimization theory and mathematical techniques, stochastic and dynamic modelling, operations analysis, and the design and testing of prototype systems and evaluation models.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected (you may not use this job title without a professional designation). Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial requirements for the job. Employers may require professional designation; however, you do not need professional designation to legally work in this job.
Special Requirements: Standards exist for this job in Nova Scotia. Certification or membership in a professional body may be required by employers, however, a certificate is not legally needed to work in this occupation.