Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
(NOC 2174)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyComputer programmers write, modify, integrate, and test computer code for software applications, data processing applications, operating systems-level software, and communications software. Interactive media developers write, modify, integrate, and test computer code for Internet and mobile applications, computer-based training software, computer games, film, video, and other interactive media. They work for computer software development firms, information technology consulting firms, and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
This is a large occupation group, where much of the work is found in Halifax as it offers a wide variety of potential employers across industries, including video game development. Job opportunities occur regularly, and those with the high level of specific skills will have an easier time in finding employment. Some lower-level programming tasks may be at risk of disappearing or being outsourced. It will remain essential therefore, that workers keep skills up-to-date. Graduates of advanced co-op programs will have the most success in breaking into the workforce. Remote hiring is common in the information technology field, so jobseekers may benefit from including remote opportunities in their job search.
Hourly Pay
$21.79
Minimum$36.06
Median$58.65
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,009
Minimum$56,326
Median$93,589
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
Computer programmers write, modify, integrate, and test computer code for software applications, data processing applications, operating systems-level software, and communications software. Interactive media developers write, modify, integrate, and test computer code for Internet and mobile applications, computer-based training software, computer games, film, video, and other interactive media. They work for computer software development firms, information technology consulting firms, and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.
Job duties
Computer programmers:
- Write, modify, integrate, and test software code.
- Maintain existing computer programs by making modifications as needed.
- Identify and communicate technical problems, processes, and solutions.
- Prepare reports, manuals and other documentation on the status, operation, and maintenance of software.
- Help collect and document user requirements.
- Help develop logical and physical specifications.
- May lead and coordinate teams of computer programmers.
- May research and evaluate a variety of software products.
Interactive media developers:
- Program animation software for interactive CDs, DVDs, video game cartridges and Internet-based applications.
- Program special effects software for film and video applications.
- Write, modify, integrate, and test software code for e-commerce and other Internet applications.
- Help collect and document user requirements.
- Help develop logical and physical specifications.
- May lead and coordinate teams of interactive media developers.
- May research and evaluate a variety of interactive media software products.
Sample job titles
- animation programmer
- cloud developer
- computer game developer
- computer programmer
- electronic commerce (e-commerce) software developer
- graphical user interface (GUI) developer
- interactive media developer
- software developer
- special effects programmer
- Web programmer
Skills
- Both computer programmers and interactive media developers should be innovative, methodical, and have good communication skills. You should also be quick to learn and be prepared to work to keep on top of new developments. Computer languages evolve rapidly and programmers must be continually learning to keep their skills up-to-date. Numerical ability is required to understand programming languages and to write, modify, integrate, and test software code. Accuracy and proofreading skills are required to detect, locate, and avoid errors in code. Creativity and design skills may be an asset for interactive media designers.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in computer science or in another discipline with a significant programming component or completion of a college program in computer science is usually required.
- Specialization in programming for engineering and scientific applications requires specific post-secondary study or experience.
Other considerations
- 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 interactive media. Movement to information systems analyst, software engineer or Web designer is possible with experience.
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
$59,401 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$55,353 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$45,577 median annual incomeCape Breton
$45,904 median annual incomeSouthern
$28,739 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
Public administration
Manufacturing
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
15-24
55-64
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
$60,034 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$47,964 median annual incomeMaster
$65,405 median annual incomeHigh school
$33,136 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$53,726 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 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 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 Engineering - General
University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of computer hardware and software systems and related equipment and facilities; and the analysis of specific problems of computer applications to various tasks.
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
E-commerce/Electronic Commerce
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, manage, supervise, and market electronic business operations, products, and services provided online via the Internet. They include courses in business administration, information technology, information resources management, web design, computer and Internet law and policy, computer privacy and security, e-trading, insurance, electronic marketing, investment capital planning, enterprise operations, personnel supervision, contracting, and product and service networking.
Institutions providing this program
Game and Interactive Media Design
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the design, development, and programming of interactive media entertainment, including computer and video games, virtual environments, Internet applications, and other interactive media. They include courses in theory of games, turn-based games, real-time games, visual and interactive design, story development, animation, simulation, and programming.
Institutions providing this program
Various, 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
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
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile