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.
AI Impact Summary
Computer Programmers faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 34/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 64% of all analyzed occupations. Of 17 analyzed tasks, 3 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Programming is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
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/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (7)
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
IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate
by IBM
Estimated Impact
AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Google UX Design Professional Certificate
by Google
Estimated Impact
Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Leading People and Teams Specialization
by University of Michigan
Estimated Impact
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.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
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.
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.
Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
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.
Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
Train subordinates in programming and program coding.
Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.
Develop Web sites.
Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.
Train users on the use and function of computer programs.
Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic. | 41.6Observed | 43.6% | 15% | |
| Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced. | 61.12Observed | 51.5% | 15% | |
| Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements. | 57.6Observed | 50.0% | 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. | 59.95Observed | 51.0% | 10% | |
| Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 8% | |
| Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 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. | 61.08Observed | 51.4% | 5% | |
| Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program. | 55.67Observed | 71.5% | 5% | |
| Train subordinates in programming and program coding. | 35Estimated | 29.0% | 3% | |
| Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs. | 48.7Observed | 34.5% | 4% | |
| Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer. | 44.3Observed | 44.7% | 4% | |
| Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users. | 54.75Observed | 71.1% | 3% | |
| Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions. | 27.18Observed | 37.9% | 3% | |
| Develop Web sites. | 75Estimated | 57.0% | 3% | |
| Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel. | 43.17Observed | 32.3% | 2% | |
| Train users on the use and function of computer programs. | 45Estimated | 33.0% | 2% | |
| Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods. | 73.05Observed | 44.2% | 2% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 28.6%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
Explore other career paths
Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.
Alternate Career Paths
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Software Developers, Applications
36%Higher risk than 67% of other occupations
Geographic Information Systems Technicians
38%Higher risk than 76% of other occupations
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
41%Higher risk than 83% of other occupations
Web Developers
43%Higher risk than 87% of other occupations
Social Science Research Assistants
43%Median salary: $58,040
Higher risk than 88% of other occupations
Statistical Assistants
43%Median salary: $51,440
Higher risk than 89% of other occupations
Computer Operators
48%Higher risk than 95% of other occupations
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Computer Programmers professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Programming
High reliance on Programming is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Reading Comprehension
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Leadership
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Coordination
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Systems Analysis
Systems Analysis will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Score History
Risk score over 3 scoring runs
overall change
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