Working as an Information Systems Specialist
Industry Overview
WorkBC identifies this as a high opportunity occupation. Information Systems Specialists are in high demand, especially workers with experience, technical skills and business knowledge.
12,735 people are currently employed as Information Systems Specialists in BC. More than 75% of these jobs are located in the Mainland/Southwest region of BC.
Job Outlook in BC
Information Systems Specialists
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings in BC regions from 2023-2033:
| Region | 2023 Estimated Employment | Average Annual % Change, 2023 to 2033 | 2023-2033 Estimated # of Openings |
| Vancouver Island | 1855 | 2.5% | 1270 |
| Lower Mainland / Southwest | 9725 | 3.0% | 7450 |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 745 | 2.5% | 500 |
| Kootenay | 145 | 1.3% | 80 |
| Cariboo | 175 | 0.6% | 50 |
| North Coast & Nechako | 60 | 4.8% | 30 |
| Northeast | 30 | n/a | n/a |
Related careers also in high demand include:
- Cybersecurity Specialists [NOC 21220]
- Business Systems Specialists [NOC 21221]
You can learn more about working as an Information Systems Specialist in BC from:
Types of Employers
Information Systems Specialists work in information technology (IT) consulting firms and telecommunications businesses, financial institutions such as banks and credit unions, and IT departments in both the private and public sectors. You may work for hardware and software developers, manufacturers, retailers, IT companies, government agencies, and insurance companies. You may also be self-employed and consult with several companies.
Salary
In BC, the annual median salary is $87,595; the provincial hourly median rate is $42.00.
Earnings depend on many factors. The more experience and education you have, the more money you can make. People with more responsibility also earn higher salaries.
Specialists who work full time usually get benefits as well as a salary. These often include extended health care, paid vacation time, and sick days. Some specialists get performance bonuses, too.
Job Bank Canada provides hourly wages for information systems specialists in BC regions:
Sources: WorkBC Career Profile for Information Systems Specialists, Career Cruising - Profile for "Business Systems Analysts", Job Bank Canada Wage Reports
Working Hours
Because information systems must be always available, work may sometimes take place outside of regular office hours. System maintenance and upgrades, for example, often occur at night and on weekends. During the implementation of a new computer system, trouble-shooting critical applications, or times of problems, you may be required to work long hours.
Depending on your position, you could be on call 24 hours a day to helping solve problems. Work can be stressful, especially when setting up new systems or dealing with urgent issues.