IT Occupational Descriptions, Wages, and Employment Outlook

UPDATED: MAY11, 2007

Information is ordered by NOC code. Each NOC code may contain several distinct occupation titles, and some of the titles will have more than one skill level. Be sure to examine all the titles within the NOC you are interested in to be certain you have the correct occupation.

Sources:

Wages: all data is for the Lower Mainland Southwest, unless otherwise specified.Sources include:

  • The working.com salary survey updated to May 2007. Although many job titles share the same NOC, the duties, requirements, and degree of skill varies. This variance is reflected in the “working.com” wage survey results.
  • SSA data by 4-digit NOC from the National LMI System from December 2006. (Data for this period has a significant number of individual observations based on actual wages that make the data more meaningful and reliable).
  • The 2001 Census, with inflation to May 2007 factored in. The market is likely to be paying wages beyond inflation due to labour shortages for some occupations.

Employment Outlook: The source is the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS), the official occupational forecast for BC, approved in November 2006 by Service Canada and the BC Ministry of Advanced Education. This is the most recent forecast available.

(Compiledby Lesley Frieson, LMIA BC/Yukon Region)

This file is stored on the GVan shared drive, accessible to all Service Canada staff in BC/Yukon

\\bcfp01\Common-Commun\GVAN\PS\Labour Market Information\LMI for SDEB

Contents (ctrl+click to reach the occupation)

ComputerEngineers (8 titles including main title. Includes telecommunications analyst and telecom engineers.)

Computer and Information Systems Managers (1 title)

ComputerNetwork Technicians (9 titles including main title))

Computer Programmers (9 titles including main title. Note: includes web software developers)

Help Desk Support (2 titles including main title)

Human Resources Director, Internet and New Media (1 title)

Information Systems Analysts and Consultants(4 titles including main title)

PC Maintenance Technician (1 title)

Telecommunications Managers (1 title)

Trainer, Information Technology (1 Title)

Web Designers/Developers/Editors (3 titles including main title)

Software Engineer (4 titles including main title)

Occupation / Brief description / Wage information / Employment Outlook
1)NOC 0112
Human Resources Director, Internet and New Media / Plans, directs and carries out policies relating to all phases of personnel activity. Recruits, interviews, and selects employees to fill vacant positions. Plans and conducts new employee orientation to foster positive attitude toward company goals. Keeps record of insurance coverage, pension plan, and personnel transactions, such as hires, promotions, transfers, and terminations. Investigates accidents and prepares reports for insurance carrier. Conducts wage survey within labour market to determine competitive wage rate. Prepares budget of personnel operations. Requires a bachelor's degree with at least 7-10 years experience in Human Resources. Must be familiar with internet business models and technologies. Generally manages a group of human resources professionals. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Typically reports to an executive. / A typical Human Resources Director, Internet and New Media working in Vancouver, BC earns a median base salary of $120,766, according to analysis of data reported by corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job earn between $109,048 and $140,533.
Factoring in bonuses and benefits, the total median cash compensation is $135,354. Half of the people in this job earn between $118,512 and $163,907.
Source: (May 2007)
The following data from the National LMI system provides SSA wage data for “Human Resource Managers” only. This is also true of the Census. For this reason, the working.com salary survey data (above) is recommended as more meaningful.
SSA hourly wage rates as of December 2006:
Average = $27.65
High = $42.07
Low = $15.00
This is based on 167 individual observations from actual wages.
The 2001 Census listsa weighted annual average of $63,669for the Lower Mainland. Average annual incomes range from a low of $60,502to a high of $67,362.
Factoring in inflation, which the Bank of Canada estimates averaged 14.45% between 2001 and 2007,brings the Census average to $72,866 and the range to between $69,242and $77,093.
Note: The Census includes the full range of experience and skill;therefore the results may not be representative of the skill level required for this particular occupation. Judiciousness is required when referencing this data. / There is no forecast for HR directors, specifically, only Human Resource Managers, in general, as follows.
The most recent employment forecast for the period 2006-2011 for BC from COPS, shows a growth rate of 1.6% for human resource managers. This is below the average of 2% for all occupations.
In 2006, 2,908human resource managers were employed in BC. Another 242 new jobs are expected to be added between 2006 and 2011. Attrition may create an additional 543 jobs bringing the total number of openings to 785 by 2011.
Important Note about Attrition
2)NOC 0131
Tele-communications Manager / Manages a team of telecommunications technicians and analysts who maintain and support voice, data and video communication systems within the organization. Identifies issues and appropriate courses of action. Researches and oversees implementation of new technologies. May require a bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. / A typical Telecommunications Manager working in Vancouver, BCearns a median base salary of $90,668, according to analysis of data reported by corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job earn between $80,731 and $102,209.
Factoring in bonuses and benefits, the total median cash compensation is $94,859. Half of the people in this job earn between $82,227 and $112,402.
Source: (May 2007)
SSA hourly wage ratesfrom the National LMI System as of December 2006:
Average = $28.83
High = $40.87
Low = $16.45
This is based on 52individual observations from actual wages.
The 2001 Census listsa weighted annual average of $72,273 for the Lower Mainland. Average annual incomes range from a low of $67,603 to a high of $78,012.
Factoring in inflation, which the Bank of Canada estimates averaged 14.45% between 2001 and 2007, brings the Census average to $82,714 and the range to between $77,369and $89,282.
Note: The Census includes the full range of experience and skill; therefore the results may not be representative of the skill level required for this particular occupation. Judiciousness is required when referencing this data. / The most recent employment forecast for the period 2006-2011 for BC from COPS, shows a growth rate of 1.5% for this occupation. This is below the average of 2% for all occupations.
In 2006, 1,612telecommunications managers were employed in BC. Another 121 new jobs are expected to be added between 2006 and 2011. Attrition may create an additional 268 jobs bringing the total number of openings to 388by 2011.
Important Note about Attrition
3)NOC 0213
Computer and Information Systems Managers / Computer and information systems managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of organizations that analyze, design, develop, implement, operate and administer computer and telecommunications software, networks and information systems. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors.A bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, business administration, commerce or engineering is usually required. Several years of experience in systems analysis, data administration, software engineering, network design or computer programming, including supervisory experience, are required. / The National LMI system and Census provide wage data for the main NOC title only. The data encompass all skill levels and various related job titles. These are provided below. For wages by specific skill level and/or job title, see the lettered rows below this one.
SSA hourly wage rates as of December 2006:
Average = $34.90
High = $52.88
Low = $17.31
This is based on 235 individual observations from actual wages.
The 2001 Census listsa weighted annual average of $74,081for the Lower Mainland. Average annual incomes range from a low of $67,603 to a high of $78,012.
Factoring in inflation, which the Bank of Canada estimates averaged 14.45% between 2001 and 2007,brings the Census average to $84,783and the range to between $77,369and $89,282.
Note: The Census includes the full range of experience and skill; therefore the results may not be representative of the skill level required for this particular occupation. Judiciousness is required when referencing this data. / The most recent employment forecast for the period 2006-2011 for BC from COPS, shows a growth rate of 1.7% for this occupation. This is below the average of 2% for all occupations.
In 2006, 5,139 computer and information systems managers were employed in BC. Another 450 new jobs are expected to be added between 2006 and 2011. Attrition may create an additional 825 jobs bringing the total number of openings to 1,275by 2011.
Important Note about Attrition
a)Software Development Director / Develops implements and maintains all systems analysis and programming functions within budget constraints. Evaluates need for new equipment and oversees installation. May assist with database design and administration. May require a bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to top management. / A typical Software Development Director working in Canada* earns a median base salary of $86,380, according to analysis of data reported by corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job earn between $77,171 and $91,276.
Factoring in bonuses and benefits, the total median cash compensation is$93,724. Half of the people in this job earn between $78,803 and $106,664.
Source: (May 2007)
*data at Vancouver level not available / The forecast for the main title includes this occupation.
b)Data Warehousing Manager / Develops and implements information management strategies. Coordinates and manages information management solutions. Scopes, plans, and prioritizes multiple projects. And manages all aspects of the warehouses such as data sourcing, migration, quality, design, and implementation. Requires a bachelor's degree with at least 7 years of experience in data warehouse design and development experience. Must be familiar with internet business models and technologies. Generally manages a team of exempt and non-exempt employees. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Typically reports to senior management. / A typical Data Warehousing Manager working in Vancouver, BCearns a median base salary of $110,539, according to analysis of data reported by corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job earn between $98,195 and $115,153.
Factoring in bonuses and benefits, the total median cash compensation is$116,233. Half of the people in this job earn between $98,195 and $128,158.
Source: (May 2007) / The forecast for the main title includes this occupation.
4)NOC 2147
Computer Engineers / Responsible for design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical products and systems. Performs engineering design evaluations. May develop a range of products. / The National LMI system and Census provide wage data for the main NOC title only. This data encompass all skill levels and various related job titles. These are provided below. For wages by specific skill level and/or job title, see the lettered rows below this one.
SSA hourly wage rates as of December 2006:
Average = $30.20
High = $43.64
Low = $20.00
This is based on 43 individual observations from actual wages.
The 2001 Census listsa weighted annual average of $78,119for the Lower Mainland. Average annual incomes range from a low of $$59,906to a high of $118,562.
Factoring in inflation, which the Bank of Canada estimates averaged 14.45% between 2001 and 2007,brings the Census average to $89,404 and the range to between $68,560and $135,690.
Note: The Census includes the full range of experience and skill; therefore the results may not be representative of the skill level required for this particular occupation. Judiciousness is required when referencing this data. / The most recent employment forecast for the period 2006-2011 for BC from COPS, shows a growth rate of 1.7% for this occupation. This is below the average of 2% for all occupations.
In 2006, 2,415 computer engineers were employed in BC. Another 211 new jobs are expected to be added between 2006 and 2011. Attrition may create an additional 279 jobs bringing the total number of openings to 490 by 2011.
Important Note about Attrition
a)Computer Engineer Level I / Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering and 0-3 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. / A typical Computer Engineer Level I, working in Vancouver, BCearns a median base salary of $57,076, according to analysis of data reported by corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job earn between $67,275 and $81,630.
Factoring in bonuses and benefits, the total median cash compensation can raise earnings to $61,234.
Source: (May 2007)
For SSA and Census wage data, see the main title. / The forecast for the main title includes this occupation.
b)Computer Engineer Level II / Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering and 2-5 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. / A typical Computer Engineer Level II, working in Vancouver, BCearns a median base salary of $73,852, according to analysis of data reported by corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job earn between $51,626 and $60,896.
Factoring in bonuses and benefits, the total median cash compensation is$74,899. Half of the people in this job earn between $67,676 and $84,087.
Source: (May 2007)
For SSA and Census wage data, see the main title. / The forecast for the main title includes this occupation.
c)Computer Engineer Level IV / Provides expert judgment and analysis for the design, development and implementation of technical products and systems. Resolves highly complex technical issues, conducts advanced research, and identifies product/service innovations. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering and may be expected to have an advanced degree in a related area with 7-10 years of technical experience. License and certification may be required. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to top management. / A typical Computer Engineer Level IV, working in Vancouver, BCearns a median base salary of $105,762, according to analysis of data reported by corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job earn between $88,968 and $123,638.
Factoring in bonuses and benefits, the total median cash compensation is$114,697. Half of the people in this job earn between $91,073 and $132,416.
Source: (May 2007)
For SSA and Census wage data, see the main title. / The forecast for the main title includes this occupation.
d)Telecommunications Analyst 11 / Reviews, analyzes, evaluates and maintains an organization's telecommunications system. Designs, develops, and tests of telecommunications software solutions. Provides customer training of the telecommunications features and functionality. May require an associate's degree or its equivalent and 3-5 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. May lead and direct the work of others. Typically reports to a manager. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected / A typical Telecommunications Analyst 11, working in Vancouver, BCearns a median base salary of $69,774, according to analysis of data reported by corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job earn between $57,149 and $82,435.
Factoring in bonuses and benefits, the total median cash compensation is $73,590. Half of the people in this job earn between $58,993 and $82,649.
Source: (May 2007)
For SSA and Census wage data, see the main title. / The forecast for the main title includes this occupation.
e)Telecommunications Engineer Level 1 / Analyzes telecommunications functions of organizations. Works to develop, improve, maintain, and implement network. May require a bachelor's degree in area of specialty and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. / A typical Telecommunications Engineer Level 1, working in Vancouver, BCearns a median base salary of $49,602, according to analysis of data reported by corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job earn between $45,830 and $54,365.
Factoring in bonuses and benefits, the total median cash compensation is $51,063. Half of the people in this job earn between $45,830 and $56,649.
Source: (May 2007)
For SSA and Census wage data, see the main title. / The forecast for the main title includes this occupation.
f)Telecommunications Engineer Level 2 / Basic duties the same as Telecommunications Engineer Level 1. May require a bachelor's degree in area of specialty and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. / A typical Telecommunications Engineer Level 2, working in Vancouver, BCearns a median base salary of $64,516, according to analysis of data reported by corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job earn between $59,370 and $72,247.