NOC 21232 — Software Developers and Programmers in Canada
NOC 21232 — Software Developers and Programmers in Canada. Duties, requirements, wage band, top provinces, and how to position your resume.
About this occupation
Software developers and programmers research, design, evaluate, integrate and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses and telecommunications software.
Also known as
Software developer · Application programmer · Web developer · Backend developer · Mobile app developer
Main duties
- Write, modify, integrate and test software code.
- Maintain existing computer programs by making modifications as required.
- Identify and communicate technical problems, processes and solutions.
- Prepare reports, manuals and other documentation on the status, operation and maintenance of software.
- Assist in the collection and documentation of user's requirements.
- Assist in the development of logical and physical specifications.
Employment requirements
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering or mathematics, or completion of a college program in computer science is usually required.
- Some employers may require certifications such as AWS, Azure, or specific framework credentials.
Wage band (Canada)
Reported wages typically range from $28/hr (low) to $72/hr (high), with a median around $45/hr. Confirm the wage band for your specific city on Job Bank Canada.
Where the jobs are
The strongest provinces for this NOC are typically: Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta.
Outlook
Demand remains strong across major Canadian tech hubs (Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Waterloo, Calgary, Ottawa). Remote-friendly roles common.
How to position your resume
Use "Software Developers and Programmers" (or one of the equivalent titles above) at the top of each relevant role on your resume — recruiters and ATS systems search by Canadian NOC titles. Pair this with our resume tailoring guide and run your draft through the free ATS checker.
Related guides
Source: National Occupational Classification 2021, Statistics Canada / ESDC. Wages reflect typical Job Bank ranges and vary by region.