Software Developer and Express Entry: NOC 21232 (TEER 1)

Software developers and programmersVerified against official sources on 2026-10-01

21232

NOC 2021 code

TEER

$48.08

Median hourly wage, Canada (Job Bank)

2026 EE categories

Software developers and programmers design, write and test code for new software and systems. They work in software and game companies, IT consulting firms and IT departments across the public and private sectors.

Express Entry fit

FSWPossible

TEER 0–3 work counts toward FSW.

CECPossible

One year of this work in Canada can qualify for CEC.

FSTNo

Not in an FST trade group.

This NOC is not on any 2026 Express Entry category list, so it competes in general and program-specific rounds (for example CEC rounds).

What the work involves

Main duties

Design, write, read, test and correct code for new software
Analyze information to recommend and plan new systems or changes to existing ones
Check how a change in one program part might affect others
Write and integrate code for e-commerce, internet, mobile and game applications
Develop and maintain features within existing software
Write documentation for new and updated software

Example job titles

Application programmer
Computer game developer
Electronic business (e-business) software developer
Interactive media developer
Multimedia developer
Software developer
Software development project manager
Software programmer

Employment requirements

Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering or another program with significant programming, or a college computer science program
Progression to software engineer is possible with experience

Provincial streams that target this occupation

Alberta · Alberta Express Entry Stream - Accelerated Tech PathwayThis code is on the pathway's eligible-occupation list (PDF dated 2022-11-16). Needs an Express Entry profile and a job offer from an Alberta tech-industry employer. ↗ alberta.ca

Official sources

noc.esdc.gc.caNOC 2021 profile 21232Checked 2026-10-01
jobbank.gc.caJob Bank wages (Canada)Checked 2026-10-01
jobbank.gc.caJob Bank job prospectsChecked 2026-10-01
canada.caIRCC: Federal Skilled Trades eligibilityChecked 2026-10-01