Computer Programmers vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: AI exposure, pay and openings

AI use is higher in computer programmers work: 75% of tasks (high) against 52% for software quality assurance analysts and testers (high). Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers has the higher median pay, $104,300 a year against $100,390, a gap of $3,910.

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet.

Side by side

MeasureComputer ProgrammersSoftware Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Tasks that already see AI use75% (High)52% (High)
Median pay a year$100,390$104,300

Exposure: Anthropic Economic Index, March 2026. Pay, growth and openings: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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