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.
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% |
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.
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.
Alternate Career Paths
See all transitionsComputer Operators
48%Higher risk than 95% of other occupations
Computer Systems Analysts
33%Higher risk than 57% of other occupations
Database Administrators
35%Higher risk than 65% of other occupations
Geographic Information Systems Technicians
38%Higher risk than 76% of other occupations
Social Science Research Assistants
43%Median salary: $58,040
Higher risk than 88% of other occupations
Software Developers, Applications
36%Higher risk than 67% of other occupations
Software Developers, Systems Software
35%Higher risk than 67% of other occupations
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
41%Higher risk than 83% of other occupations
Statistical Assistants
43%Median salary: $51,440
Higher risk than 89% of other occupations
Web Developers
43%Higher risk than 87% of other occupations
Score History
Risk score over 3 scoring runs
overall change
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
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation

Developers are now building entire video games using single AI prompts
A developer successfully created a fully functional video game using a single prompt with advanced AI models like Claude and GPT-5.6. This rapid prototyping capability threatens entry-level coding and game design roles by drastically reducing development time.

Databricks drove down AI coding spend 70%

Meta’s new coding agent is cheap (but it’ll cost you your data).

Coinbase, Shopify and Ramp all built their own coding agents. All three still pay Anthropic.
Despite building internal AI coding tools, major tech firms remain reliant on third-party models like Anthropic's Claude. This suggests in-house AI development isn't replacing the need for premium foundational models in software engineering just yet.
Oracle bans AI-generated code from OpenJDK
Developers contributing to the open-source Java development kit are now strictly prohibited from submitting code written by AI. The decision underscores growing legal and quality concerns around AI-assisted programming in major enterprise projects.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis