Software Engineers and Designers
(NOC 2173)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologySoftware engineers and designers research, design, evaluate, integrate, and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses and telecommunications software. They work for information technology consulting firms, information technology research and development firms, and 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
Demand for this occupation is expected to remain strong with continuing growth anticipated in the information technology (IT) field. The Halifax area in particular, where much of the work is found, offers a wide variety of potential employers across a varied, technology-based economy. There may also be overlap between the duties of software engineers/designers and software developers and programmers (NOC 2174) within the area, and highly-skilled software engineers may possess the skills to fill positions in those larger, closely related fields as well. Remote hiring is common in the IT field, so jobseekers may benefit from including remote opportunities in their job search.
Hourly Pay
$32.31
Minimum$41.03
Median$64.90
MaximumAnnual Pay
$24,845
Minimum$71,270
Median$106,614
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Software engineers and designers research, design, evaluate, integrate, and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses and telecommunications software. They work for information technology consulting firms, information technology research and development firms, and information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Software engineers and designers:
- Collect and document users' requirements and develop logical and physical specifications.
- Research, evaluate and apply technical information to design, develop and test computer-based systems.
- Develop data, process, and network models to improve architecture and to evaluate the performance and reliability of designs.
- Plan, design and coordinate the development, installation, integration, and operation of computer-based systems.
- Assess, test, troubleshoot, document, upgrade and develop maintenance procedures for operating systems, communications environments, and applications software.
- May lead and coordinate teams of information systems professionals in the development of software and integrated information systems, process control software, and other embedded software control systems.
Sample job titles
- application architect
- artificial intelligence (AI) designer
- cloud administrator
- cloud architect
- software designer
- software engineer
- software technical architect
- systems applications engineer
- systems architect
Skills
- Software engineers need an understanding of computer languages and IT terminology. You need to be analytical, have a solid grasp of mathematics, and be both innovative and methodical. Accuracy and proofreading skills are necessary to detect, locate, and avoid errors in code. Good communication skills are required to understand user requirements and to lead and coordinate teams of information professionals.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree, usually in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering or mathematics or completion of a college program in computer science is usually required.
- A master's or doctoral degree in a related discipline may be required.
- Licensing by a provincial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
- Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering, and passing a professional practice examination.
Other considerations
- Experience as a computer programmer is usually required. Rapid changes in computer technology mean that people in this field should be prepared to keep up-to-date with new developments in computer hardware, software, and networking technologies.
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
$71,647 median annual incomeSouthern
$61,431 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$62,773 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$86,557 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Information and cultural industries
Manufacturing
Public administration
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
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
$68,456 median annual incomeMaster
$75,309 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$66,345 median annual incomeHigh school
$68,633 median annual incomeDiploma Above Bachelor
N/ACompared 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 incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the symbolic inference, representation, and simulation by computers and software of human learning and reasoning processes and capabilities, and the modelling of human motor control and motions by computer-driven machinery. They include courses in computing theory, cybernetics, human factors, natural language processing, robot design, and applicable aspects of engineering, technology, and specific end-use applications.
Institutions providing this program
Computer Programming
College or Trades ProgramThese programs focus on writing and implementing generic and customized programs to drive operating systems and that prepares students to apply the methods and procedures of software design and programming to software installation and maintenance. They include courses in software design, low- and high-level languages and program writing, program customization and linking, prototype testing, troubleshooting, and related aspects of operating systems and networks.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Computer Programming - Specific Applications
College or Trades ProgramThese programs apply the knowledge and skills of general computer programming to the solution of specific operational problems and customization requirements presented by individual software users and organizational users. Includes training in specific types of software and its installation and maintenance.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Various, NS
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
Various, NS
Mathematics
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. They include courses in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Medical Informatics
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on applying computer science and software engineering to medical research and clinical information technology support, and the development of advanced imaging, database, and decision systems. They include courses in computer science, health information systems architecture, medical knowledge structures, medical language and image processing, quantitative medical decision modelling, imaging techniques, electronic medical records, medical research systems, clinical decision support, and informatics aspects of specific research and practice problems.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.