Working as a Computer or Software Engineer
Industry Overview
Computer engineers: WorkBC identifies this as a “high opportunity” occupation and job prospects are expected to be good. There are currently not enough new computer engineering graduates with the right mix of experience and skills to meet employment demand.
In British Columbia your job may not have a complete focus on hardware, but also work with processes, electrical engineering, and software implementation.
Employment trends depend on the industries that purchase hardware products. As such, your job opportunities may be affected by fluctuations in the economy or in specific sectors.
Computer engineering is a constantly changing field. It is important to update your skills throughout your career.
Software engineers: WorkBC identifies this as a “high opportunity” occupation, with 9,340 job openings forecast from 2021 to 2031. It is important to continue to update your skills regularly in order to keep up with improvements and changes in technology.
The health care industry will increasingly need software engineers to design, and maintain safe and secure eHealth information systems.
Job Outlook in BC
Computer Engineers
Chart from WorkBC
Software Engineers
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings in BC regions from 2021-2031:
Sources: WorkBC Career Profiles, Career Cruising
Types of Employers
Computer engineers are employed throughout public and private sectors, such as:
- computer and telecommunication hardware manufacturers
- engineering, manufacturing and telecommunications firms
- information technology consulting firms
- government
- education and research institutions
- health care
Software engineers are employed by a variety of organizations including:
- information technology consulting firms that provide software-related information technology services
- information technology research and development firms
- software product manufacturers
- you may telecommute from a home office
You may also be self-employed.
Salary & Working Hours
In BC, the median annual salary for computer engineers is $112,310. The median annual salary for software engineers is $108,451. Earnings vary according to your level of education, experience and the type of company you work for.
If you are employed in a full-time job you may also receive benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick leave. Some companies also provide you with the use of a company car and annual profit-sharing or performance-based bonuses.
Sources: WorkBC Career Profiles, Career Cruising
In BC regions, you can expect to earn:
Computer Engineers
Software Engineers
Source: Job Bank Canada, Wage Report
Working Hours
You usually work an average of 5 days, Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. However, longer hours and overtime are often required to meet deadlines.