Changing shape

Computer programmers

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.

AI Resistance Index 1 of 99

Among the careers AI is changing fastest: more resilient than 1% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is very high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it very high), and US jobs are projected to change by -7.3% by 2035, expected to shrink. The work leans on creative vision.

AI can do many of the tasks, and hiring is expected to grow slower than average or to shrink. The job is likely to change, so build the human parts of it.

Median pay (2025): $100,390
Job growth to 2035: -7.3%
Openings a year: 4,400
People doing it (2025): 111,000
Usual route in: Bachelor's degree

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Where people already use AI for this work

Design computer or information systems or applications
Program computer systems or production equipment
Test performance of computer or information systems

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Train others to use equipment or products
Supervise personnel activities
Direct scientific or technical activities

What the work looks like

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.
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
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.
Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects

Fewer of these jobs, as computer programming tasks are more commonly performed by other computer occupations, such as software developers. Computer programming work also continues to be automated, including with artificial intelligence (AI), allowing computer programmers to become more efficient.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

Web developersGrows with AI, Index 6, +3.8%
Mathematical science occupations, all otherGrows with AI, Index 10, +7.1%
Software developersGrows with AI, Index 18, +10.2%
Software quality assurance analysts and testersGrows with AI, Index 8, +5.7%

Also known as: Analyst Programmer, Computer Programmer, Programmer, Programmer Analyst, Application Programmer Analyst, Computer Programmer Analyst, Internet Programmer, Java Developer.

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.