British Columbia’s Booming Tech Landscape and Growing Demand for Tech Skills

When it comes to Canada’s tech sector, British Columbia can proudly say that it is a leading force. In fact, the province’s demand for tech skills and top talent has outpaced many other regions in Canada. Vancouver alone saw a surge of 69% in tech jobs between 2017 and 2022, making it one of the fastest growing tech talent hubs in the US and Canada. One of the biggest reasons behind this growth is BC’s thriving tech ecosystem, ranking second nationwide. Whether you’re a web developer, data analyst or cyber security specialist, British Columbia has a place for you!

Growing Tech Demand in BC

With more and more businesses moving towards digitization, there is a shortage of skilled tech talent to fill jobs. Looking ahead to the next 10 years, the province is expected to have 118,000 STEM (tech) job openings. With non-tech industries now relying more on digital skills to run their businesses, tech workers are an asset to any industry. The time to join BC’s booming tech industry is now.

Tech Roles with the Highest Demand in BC

The five most in-demand tech jobs in Vancouver are Information Systems and Computer Managers, Web Developers and Designers, Software Engineers, Interactive Media Developers and Computer Programmers, and Information System Analysts and Consultants. Salaries across roles also vary depending on which city you live in, here's a glance at the average annual salaries for different tech positions across BC:

Role	Vancouver	Kelowna	Victoria
Data Analyst	$71,529	$54,400	$64,170
Web Developer	$70,474	$62,636	$79,391
Software Engineer	$111,003	$79,846	$93,969

To view current job opportunities in the tech sector in BC, see Techcouver Job Board.

Starting a Tech Career in BC: Tech Education and Training Opportunities in British Columbia

With over 250,000 tech workers living in BC, there are many opportunities to connect with others in the tech community across the province. The industry values building relationships with others, allowing you to network with like-minded people. Some ways to expand your network include attending industry events such as Vancouver Tech Journal’s Tech Morning Coffee events, a casual networking event. In Victoria, VIATEC (Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council) is on a mission to cultivate and nurture a strong tech community by providing resources, opportunities, and support throughout the city. BC Tech Association is another organization that connects tech workers across British Columbia.

For those looking to turn their hobby or passion for tech into a career, Lighthouse Labs offers remote, online, and accessible programs in Web Development, Cyber Security, Data Science, and Data Analytics. With the choice of intensive 8 to 12-week boot camps or flexible 18 to 30-week programs, students can choose which option best suits their lifestyle and outside commitments. The remote learning environment imitates the work-from-home culture of many tech careers, meaning you don't have to leave your home to receive a quality education. Lighthouse Labs programs are designed to give you a solid foundation and the right skills that set you up for long-term success and growth. With Career Services for Life, mentors, accessibility specialists, and learning advisors to help you navigate your educational journey, your unique needs are met from day one.

Startups in BC

BC is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and buzzing tech startup scene, birthing tech companies like Hootsuite and Slack. Several startups are based in British Columbia, providing unique opportunities for those looking to join a growing team.

Metriport, a Vancouver-based startup founded by software engineers Dima Goncharov and Colin Elsinga in early 2022, is revolutionising the digital health industry. Their innovative B2B offering provides a single open-source API that enables digital health companies to access and manage health and medical data seamlessly. Often referred to as the "Plaid for healthcare data," Metriport has gained significant traction and was accepted into the prestigious Y Combinator's Summer 2022 batch of startups.

Audette is out to identify low-carbon building improvements. In 2021 the company raised $13.8 million to get the project off the ground. Commercial real estate makes up 20% of global carbon emissions. Founder Christopher Naismith and his team are working to change that.

OnDeck Fisheries AI is at the forefront of leveraging artificial intelligence to revolutionize commercial fisheries. Founded in 2022 by Alexander Dungate, Sepand Dyanatkar, and Matthew Leighton, this innovative startup provides scalable, automated monitoring software for the fishing industry. By harnessing the power of cloud analytics and cutting-edge AI technology, OnDeck streamlines the review process of video footage from fishing vessels, helping fishers comply with mandatory regulations more efficiently.

The Future of Tech in British Columbia

Technology plays a vital role in shaping the future of British Columbia and cultivating resilience across industries. Today, every company is a tech company. According to BC Tech, it's crucial for BC to support local tech companies as they are projected to be the primary driver of private sector job growth in the next decade. With the shift towards green energy, BC will require a skilled workforce to handle the technologies involved in achieving the province's net-zero mission.

There’s no better time than now to join British Columbia’s evolving tech landscape. With a variety of roles and a range of companies, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for you! Apply to a Lighthouse Labs program today to start your tech career in British Columbia.