Three Routes Start
College diploma

Computer programming

Software Development Diploma (SAIT) / NAIT IT diplomas

21 of 30 verified for Alberta; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify
Trades are 3 to 4 periods at NAIT or SAIT; RAP lets high-school students start. Numbers from ALIS (Alberta wage survey and outlook), NAIT, SAIT and the University of Alberta.
Years to credential2
First real paycheque~2 years
Time in a classroom70%
Total cost$23,180
Typical debt after$18,980
Demand in AlbertaSteady

The first ten years

schoolschoolearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearn
Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

What's in "net by year 10"
Earnings, years 1 to 10$581k2 years at $0 while in school, then $52,100 rising to $79,500 by year five, flat after
Program cost−$23ktuition and fees
Typical (medians)$558kthe number on the card
Low to high$467k to $648kpay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the Alberta median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isCoding, testing, working in small teams. Co-op terms matter enormously.
What actually stops peopleGetting the first job; entry-level tech hiring has tightened since 2023.
The downsideEmployers increasingly expect a degree or a strong portfolio. AI tools are changing what junior developers do.
If you're the parentCheaper and faster than a CS degree, with decent pay if your child builds real projects. The market is crowded at the bottom right now.
Local opportunities in Alberta

Ready to explore this for real?

Eight quick questions about whether this route fits your life, not just your grades. You'll get a readiness check, and if you want, we'll introduce you to employers, unions or programs in your region.

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How to enter

What you need
  • Courses: Advanced Functions
  • Average around 65+
Deadlines in Alberta
  • ApplyAlberta or direct; NAIT and SAIT competitive programs fill early, from October
  • Alberta Student Aid in spring

Next steps in Alberta

  1. 1
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In AlbertaALIS forecast is Hot but the junior market is soft, so rated steady. NAIT Software Development is part-time only.
alis.alberta.ca · alis.alberta.ca

✓ Verified 2026-10-09 for Alberta Sources: ALIS program page SAIT Software Development 2026/27; Alberta Advanced Education graduate earnings report (inflated to today); ALIS Computer Programmer profile

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