IT Labour Market

Where people work

As of early 2008 in Canada, more than 625,000 people work in the IT
sector. The unemployment rate, is at just 2%, lower than the national
average for the Canadian workforce. Ontario has the most IT employment,
with 48% of all Canadian IT jobs in that province. Quebec follows second
with 22% of jobs, while British Columbia and the prairie provinces have
25%. Atlantic Canada has about 5% of IT positions in Canada. Nearly all
IT positions are full-time, and the average worker in 2008 has held an
IT position for more than five years. *

Male vs. female

Males occupy 75% of positions today, while more than 70% of workers are
between the ages of 25-44. *

Level of education

Post secondary education remains an integral part of an IT career, with
more than 34% of workers holding a university Bachelor's degree and
another 30% with community college or equivalent training. Less than 5%
of the workforce has a trade certificate or diploma, while another 13%
has a university Graduate degree. *

Industry sectors

Information Technology is in almost every line of work. However,
professional, scientific and technical services offer the most
opportunities, with 46% of IT jobs in Canada. Manufacturing still
accounts for about 11% of IT jobs, while other occupations including
educational services, finance and insurance, public administration,
information and culture make up the balance of employment. More than 80%
of IT positions are not covered by a union or collective agreement. *

Wages and hours

While the vast majority of IT positions involve a standard 35-40 hour
work week, salaries can vary significantly. Rates for work have
increased overall in the last four years, with about 30% of workers now
earning about $800 - $1,000 per week in Canada. About 17% earn $1000 -
$1200 weekly while another 13% earn $1200 - $1400 per week. At least 17%
of worker wages are above $1600 per week. *

*Source: (ICTC Labour Force Survey Reports)