Related Job Titles

• Developer, graphical user interface (GUI)
• Developer, multimedia
• Developer, multimedia / video games
• Programmer, multimedia
• Programmer, operating systems
• Programmer, satellite telecommunications

Salary information

The average salary for a Computer Programmer in Ontario is $77,500. Experienced Computer Programmers at major companies can make up to $160,000.

Duties

Computer programmers:

• 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.
• 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 to predefined specifications 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.

Employment Requirements

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in computer science or in another area with a significant programming component.
• Other requirements may include:
  • Post-secondary study or experience for specialization in programming for engineering and scientific applications.
  • Language-specific certification for computer programmers with specialized knowledge of a particular programming languages.
  • Continual upgrading of technical skills, which may be paid for by employers.
• Experienced computer programmers and interactive media developers can apply for the Information Systems Professional (ISP) designation through the Canadian Information Processing Society.

Related Job Titles

• Analyst, capacity planning
• Architect, computer systems / hardware
• Designer, hardware systems
• Engineer, radio systems
• Engineer, satellite data transmission
• Engineer, spacecraft electronics

Salary information

The average salary for a Computer Engineer in Ontario is $73,250. Experienced Computer Engineers at major companies can make up to $140,000.

Duties

Computer hardware and telecommunications engineers:

• Analyze user requirements for computer hardware
• Design and develop system architecture and specifications, including current hardware, software and networking capabilities, along with long-range plans and priorities for upgrading or replacing dated equipment and software
• Research, design, develop and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware, such as microprocessors, integrated circuit boards and semiconductor lasers
• Develop and conduct tests to make sure their new designs and components function as expected
• Supervise, inspect and provide design support during the manufacturing, installation and implementation of computer and telecommunications hardware
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and clients, and may lead and co-ordinate teams of engineers, technologists, technicians and drafters in the design and development of computer and telecommunications hardware

Network system and data communication engineers:

• Research, design and develop information and communication system network architecture
• Research, evaluate and integrate network system and data communication hardware and software
• Assess, document and optimize the capacity and performance of information and communication system networks
• May also be required to lead and co-ordinate teams of design professionals in the development and integration of information and communication system architecture, hardware and software

Employment Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or an appropriate related discipline.
• Must be registered by a professional association which registers computer engineers.
• Other training may include:
  • Participation in an undergraduate co-op program
  • Network certification
  • Master’s or doctoral degree in a related discipline

Related Job Titles

• Designer / developer – intranet / website
• Developer, web – e-business / e-commerce
• Manager, website
• Web integrator
• Webmaster
• Webmaster, corporate

Salary information

The average salary for a Web Designer in Ontario is $20.60 per hour. Experienced Web Designers at major companies can make up to $47.00 per hour.

Duties

• Consult with clients to develop and document website requirements.
• Prepare mock-ups and storyboards.
• Develop website architecture and determine hardware and software requirements.
• Source, select and organize information for inclusion and design the appearance, layout and flow of the website.
• Create and optimize content for the website using a variety of graphics, database, animation and other software.
• Plan, design, write, modify, integrate and test website related code.
• Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls.
• May lead and co-ordinate multidisciplinary teams to develop website graphics, content, capacity and interactivity.
• May research and evaluate a variety of interactive media software products.

Employment Requirements

• May be required to have a bachelor’s degree, usually in computer science, communications or business.
• Other training may include:
  • Successful completion of a college program, or a diploma program from a private institution in computer science, graphic arts, web design or business.
• Other beneficial qualifications for a person in this career include:
  • Experience as a computer programmer or graphic designer.
  • Web portfolio.
  • Ongoing study of the latest advancements in computer technology.
  • Ongoing skill upgrades to keep current with changing IT trends.
  • Project management skills.
  • Credentials in both web design and communications or marketing.

Related Job Titles

• Analyst, data – informatics and systems
• Analyst, data warehouse / database (DBA)
• Analyst, information resource
• Data miner / mining analyst
• DBA (database admin / analyst / architect)
• Specialist, EDP (electronic data processing)

Salary information

The average salary for a Database Analyst in Ontario is $36.36 per hour. Experienced Database Analysts at major companies can make up to $81.55 per hour.

Duties

Database analysts:

• Collect and record user’s requirements.
• Design and develop database architecture for information systems projects.
• Design, construct, modify, integrate, implement and test data models and database management systems.
• Carry out research and provide advice to other information systems professionals regarding the selection and use of database management tools.
• Operate database management systems to analyze data and perform data mining analysis.
• Lead, coordinate or supervise other workers in this group.

Data administrators:

• Develop and put into use data administration policy, standards and models.
• Research and record data requirements, data collection and administration policy, data access rules and security.
• Develop policies and procedures for network and/or internet database access and usage, and for the backup and recovery of data.
• Carry out research and provide advice to other information systems professionals regarding the collection, availability, security and suitability of data.
• Write scripts related to stored procedures and triggers.
• Lead and coordinate teams of data administrators in the development and implementation of data policies, standards and models.

Employment Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, usually in computer science or in mathematics OR completion of a college program in computer science is usually required.
• Computer programming experience.

Related Job Titles

• Administrator, internet systems
• Computer legacy systems manager
• Co-ordinator, computer department
• Manager, computer networks
• Manager, IT (information technology)
• Manager, MIS (management info system)

Salary information

The average salary for an Information Systems Manager in Ontario is $88,953. Experienced Information Systems Managers at major companies can make up to $155,000.

Duties

• Plan, organize and direct the operations of information systems and electronic data processing (EDP) departments and companies.
• Develop and carry out policies and procedures for electronic data processing and computer systems operations and development.
• Meet with clients to discuss system requirements, specifications, costs and timelines.
• Assemble and manage teams of information systems employees to design, develop and manage computer and telecommunications software, networks and information systems.
• Control the budget of the department, company or project.
• Recruit employees and oversee their professional development and training.

Employment Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, business administration, commerce or engineering.
• Several years of experience in systems analysis, data administration, software engineering, network design or computer programming, including in a supervisory capacity.