SOC 15-1251
Computer Programmers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ53/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ109,870
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$99K
$52K โ $162K
Projected Growth
๐-6%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค72/100
High exposure
๐ก Computer Programmers face a risk score of 53/100 โ 9 points above the national average of 44. With 72/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $99K ($52K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 53/100, Computer Programmers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated testing and ci/cd pipeline intelligence are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 109,870 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in stakeholder negotiation and requirements elicitation and ethical ai oversight and bias auditing to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Computer Programmers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated testing and CI/CD pipeline intelligence
Chatbot displacement of customer-facing interactions
AI coding assistants reducing developer demand
AI-driven cybersecurity threat detection replacing analysts
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Stakeholder negotiation and requirements elicitation
Ethical AI oversight and bias auditing
Architecting novel systems requiring creative problem-solving
Mentoring junior developers and team leadership
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
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.
๐ป Technology Skills
Development environment software
Object or component oriented development software
Document management software
Web platform development software
Web page creation and editing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Computers and Electronics
Mathematics
Engineering and Technology
English Language
Customer and Personal Service
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 59% |
| Mathematicians | 24 | $122K | 73% |
| Computer Occupations | 26 | $106K | 84% |