Takeover Tracker
34%medium risk

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Higher risk than 64% of occupations
Checking for existing plan...

How AI Impacts Each Task

17 tasks analyzed

Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.

Risk: 43.6%AI: 41.6ObservedTime: 15%

Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.

Risk: 51.5%AI: 61.12ObservedTime: 15%

Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.

Risk: 50.0%AI: 57.6ObservedTime: 12%

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.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 59.95ObservedTime: 10%

Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.

Risk: 21.0%AI: 15EstimatedTime: 8%

Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.

Risk: 85.2%AI: 90EstimatedTime: 5%

Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.

Risk: 51.4%AI: 61.08ObservedTime: 5%

Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.

Risk: 71.5%AI: 55.67ObservedTime: 5%

Train subordinates in programming and program coding.

Risk: 29.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 3%

Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.

Risk: 34.5%AI: 48.7ObservedTime: 4%

Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.

Risk: 44.7%AI: 44.3ObservedTime: 4%

Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.

Risk: 71.1%AI: 54.75ObservedTime: 3%

Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.

Risk: 37.9%AI: 27.18ObservedTime: 3%

Develop Web sites.

Risk: 57.0%AI: 75EstimatedTime: 3%

Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.

Risk: 32.3%AI: 43.17ObservedTime: 2%

Train users on the use and function of computer programs.

Risk: 33.0%AI: 45EstimatedTime: 2%

Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.

Risk: 44.2%AI: 73.05ObservedTime: 2%

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)

Programming15%

High reliance on Programming is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Information Ordering5%

High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Reading Comprehension10%

High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Memorization5%

Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

AI-Resistant Skills (11)

Adaptability/Flexibility85%

Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Leadership88%

Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Social Perceptiveness90%

Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Persuasion80%

Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Instructing75%

Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Service Orientation82%

Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Recommended Courses

Courses matched to Computer Programmers skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.

Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.

Upskill to Reduce Risk

Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills

Courseraintermediate

IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate

by IBM

~12 weeks$49/mo4.6Certificate
Addresses vulnerability: Programming

Estimated Impact

-9pt risk

AI-Augmentation Tools

Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity

Courserabeginner

Google UX Design Professional Certificate

by Google

~5 months$49/mo4.8Certificate
Enhances AI augmentation: Critical Thinking

Estimated Impact

-5.2pt risk

Strengthen Your Edge

Double down on skills AI can't replicate

Courseraintermediate

Leading People and Teams Specialization

by University of Michigan

~6 weeks$49/mo4.7Certificate
Strengthens resilience: Leadership

Estimated Impact

-3.7pt risk

We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.

Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.

Score History

Risk score over 3 scoring runs

-7.7

overall change

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

Post-Secondary Certificate3%
Associate's Degree9%
Bachelor's Degree88%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None3%
6 months - 1 year37%
1-2 years3%
2-4 years7%
4-6 years13%
6-8 years28%
8-10 years8%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

None2%
Up to 1 month11%
1-3 months10%
3-6 months30%
6 months - 1 year36%
1-2 years3%
2-4 years2%
4-6 years6%

Related News

Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation

5 articles

The Zig project's rationale for their firm anti-AI contribution policy

The programming language's maintainers have banned LLM-generated code in issues, pull requests, and bug trackers. This strict policy highlights a growing pushback from open-source leaders against the flood of AI-generated contributions.

Simon Willison21h ago

Vera: a programming language designed for machines to write

Developers are creating coding languages optimized specifically for AI generation rather than human readability. This shift suggests a future where software engineers act as reviewers of machine-native code rather than writing syntax themselves.

Hacker Newsyesterday

SpaceX Secures Option to Buy AI Coding Startup Cursor for $60 Billion

Elon Musk's aerospace company has secured an option to acquire the popular AI code-writing platform Cursor at a massive $60 billion valuation. The move highlights the skyrocketing value of AI tools that automate software engineering.

NYT Technologyyesterday

AI coding agents are shipping bugs, creating new QA jobs

Anaconda's acquisition of Outerbounds highlights a growing problem: AI coding assistants are generating massive amounts of flawed code. This trend is shifting developer demand away from basic coding toward quality assurance.

The New Stackyesterday

AI code reviewers are now successfully debugging the Linux kernel

Automated tools are actively identifying and fixing bugs in complex open-source projects like the Linux kernel. The success of automated code review suggests entry-level debugging tasks are rapidly being outsourced to AI.

Reddit r/artificialyesterday

Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis