Where AI can help
AI can draft code, documentation and candidate tests.
Technology · A PICTURE OF THE OCCUPATION
Computer Programmers
Turn specifications into working code, fix defects and maintain existing programs. The work involves investigating how a change affects the wider system.
Observed AI exposure74.5%Anthropic · March 2026 study
Employment projection-7.3%2025–2035
Education typically neededBachelor’s degreeBLS · 2025
What the work looks like
- 01
Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- 02
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- 03
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
- 04
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.
- 05
Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
An example of an output
A program change with tests, a behavior description and deployment instructions.
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.Work environment
Technology teams and organizations maintaining their own systems. Focused individual work alternates with peer review.
O*NET® 31.0 ↗Pay & demand
Mean annual pay$105,170
Median annual pay$100,390
Mean is the arithmetic average; median is the midpoint of the wage distribution. National occupational figures are not starting-salary promises.
10th percentile$57,710
90th percentile$160,460
Percentiles describe the workforce distribution, not junior and senior salary bands. Excludes self-employed workers; see the source for coverage.
BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗People employed in 2025110,800
Projected openings per year4,400
Includes replacement needs over 2025–2035. These are projections, not open job advertisements.
BLS · 2025–2035 ↗AI & your work
What still needs judgment
Requirements, security, side effects and behavior with real data still need explicit validation.
The task discussion is editorial interpretation. Only the exposure percentage is reproduced from the study; we do not assign percentages to individual tasks.
Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗You can also develop within this occupation
Use the exercise below to practice a real task, check AI outputs and identify where you need more depth. A career change is one option, not a requirement.
Choose a small project, reproduce a defect and deliver a tested fix with an explanation. Compare your result with an AI suggestion.
What entry usually requires
- Education typically needed
- Bachelor’s degree
- Related experience typically needed
- None specified in BLS classification
- Typical on-the-job training
- None specified in BLS classification
Typical requirements in BLS data, not universal hiring rules. Verify the employer’s requirements and any applicable credential or license.
BLS · 2025 ↗Skills to build on
Logicdebuggingcode comprehensiontechnical communication
Tools you may encounter
Git · debuggers · code editors · automated tests
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.
Where you could go next
These are researched starting points, not personalized recommendations or promises of lower AI exposure. Check the destination’s requirements and your own circumstances.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$114,610 Mean annual pay
Computer Systems Analysts ↗
Builds on understanding systems to investigate requirements and integrations.
- What you can carry over
- Code and diagnostics
- What you would need to learn
- Process analysis and requirements negotiation
What to consider
You spend more time with business teams; programming experience does not replace that learning.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$111,490 Mean annual pay
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers ↗
Uses coding knowledge to investigate behavior and build tests.
- What you can carry over
- Debugging and logic
- What you would need to learn
- Test strategy and risk prioritization
What to consider
The focus shifts from implementing a solution to questioning its failures. QA is also in the exposure ranking.
Explore the work before committing
1
Try a practical task
Choose a small project, reproduce a defect and deliver a tested fix with an explanation. Compare your result with an AI suggestion.
2
Read real job requirements
Use the official occupation title below to search current listings. Check duties, location, experience and compensation. External search results have not been verified as active by this directory.
Computer ProgrammersSearch external job listings ↗3
Check your assumptions with someone doing the work
Ask which tasks take the most time, how AI changed the routine and what evidence of skill helped them enter. Compare their experience with the published data.
My Next Move ↗Sources & data notes
O*NET® 31.0 · 15-1251.00 ↗BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗BLS · 2025–2035 ↗Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗Source & definition ↗
Occupational descriptions adapt the O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. Is my job toast? translated, shortened and supplemented the material. USDOL/ETA has not approved or endorsed these changes. CC BY 4.0 ↗