Will AI replace Computer Programmers?
AI reaches most of this job’s work.
70/100
Very high exposure
More exposed to AI than 97% of US workers.
- AI already used in
- 59% of the work
- As AI tools mature: up to
- 92% of the work
What the job involves
Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Where AI reaches the work
The job’s main tasks, heaviest first, by how far AI reaches them.
Already happening(10)
- Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
- Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
and 5 more
Within reach(6)
- Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
- Train users on the use and function of computer programs.
- Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.
- Train subordinates in programming and program coding.
- Develop Web sites.
and 1 more
Out of reach(1)
- Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
Also called
Computer Programmer · Programmer · Systems Programmer · Internet Programmer · Applications Programmer · Java Developer · Web Programmer · Business Programmer
Related jobs
What these numbers mean
The score is the share of this job’s work, weighted by how important and frequent each task is, that AI could do in half the time: tasks an AI model could do alone count in full, tasks that need software built on AI count half.
“AI already used” is the share of the work in tasks where people are recorded using AI today. “As AI tools mature” counts every task AI could halve, with or without extra software.
The percentile compares the score with every job’s, weighted by how many people in the US do each one. Exposure means AI could change how the work is done, not that the job goes away. These are estimates for the typical job, not predictions.
Sources
- O*NET 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
- GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs (task labels), Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin & Rock (2023), OpenAI and University of Pennsylvania
- Anthropic Economic Index: labor market impacts (task penetration), Anthropic
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (national and metropolitan areas), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics