Computer Programmers: how much of the work does AI already do?

What this means for your search

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Median pay

$100,390

What the job involves

• Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
• Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
• Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
• 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.

Related jobs that pay more or are less exposed

Chosen by overlap in skills and knowledge with computer programmers, so the move uses what you already know.

• Software Developers

  Pays about $36,000 more (median $135,980). AI use is lower: 29% of tasks.

• Computer and Information Research Scientists

  Pays about $40,000 more (median $140,300). AI use is lower: 34% of tasks.

• Data Warehousing Specialists

  Pays about $39,000 more (median $139,500). AI use is lower: 58% of tasks.

• Blockchain Engineers

  Pays about $16,000 more (median $116,580). AI use is lower: 31% of tasks.

• Computer Systems Analysts

  Pays about $5,000 more (median $105,850). AI use is lower: 28% of tasks.

Compare with a related job

• Computer Programmers vs Computer and Information Research Scientists: AI exposure, pay and openings
• Computer Programmers vs Database Administrators: AI exposure, pay and openings
• Computer Programmers vs Software Developers: AI exposure, pay and openings
• Computer Programmers vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: AI exposure, pay and openings
• Computer Programmers vs Web Developers: AI exposure, pay and openings

Prompts to run on your own résumé in any AI assistant

Has your employer filed layoff notices?

A separate question from AI exposure. This checks public WARN filings for the company you work for.

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Questions

Will AI replace computer programmers?

This data cannot say. It measures how much of the work AI is already used for today: 75% of the tasks, which is high. It is not a forecast of job loss.

How is the number worked out?

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. Source: Anthropic Economic Index, March 2026.

What do computer programmers earn?

The national median is $100,390 a year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Exposure: Anthropic Economic Index, March 2026. Pay and growth: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Tasks and skills: O*NET. All jobs.