Job prospects Software Tester in Ontario

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "software tester" in Ontario or across Canada.

Job opportunities in Ontario

These outlooks were updated on November 29, 2023.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be moderate for Information systems testing technicians (NOC 22222) in Ontario for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

• Various industries, but the leading share employed in computer systems design and related services, which include video game design and development
• Finance and insurance companies

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

• The extensive use of advanced digital tools across all industries will continue to create job opportunities
• Significant presence of video game companies in Ontario, which may create demand for video game testers
• However the pace of job growth may be affected by recent restructuring in the technology sector

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

• Formal education in a related discipline such as computer science
• Knowledge of computer programming languages such as Java, Structured Query Language and Python
• Experience with project management approaches such as Agile is also often required

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

In general:

• Micro-credentials or short-term training courses and certification are being offered by post-secondary institutions to help job seekers upskill; courses may also be offered by industry stakeholders
• Bridging Programs are also available to assist internationally-trained professionals in various fields enter the labour market more quickly in the province.

Here are some key facts about Information systems testing technicians in Ontario:

• Approximately 6,650 people work in this occupation.
• Information systems testing technicians mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 47%
  • Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 12%
  • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 7%
• The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
  • Full-time workers: 95% compared to 81% for all occupations
  • Part-time workers: 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
• 72% of information systems testing technicians work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
• 11% of information systems testing technicians are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 57% compared to 52% for all occupations
  • Women: 42% compared to 48% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 24% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 22% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: 25% compared to 24% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 17% compared to 13% for all occupations

Breakdown by region

Explore job prospects in Ontario by economic region.

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology