Computer Programmers

Computer Programmers score 95 out of 100, which is very high exposure to AI. That ranks #6 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 17 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 15 on its own and 2 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 11 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

95/ 100

Very high

Rank: #6of 923 jobs
US workers: 92,230BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $100,390a year
In real AI use: 11 of 17tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 15 (88%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (12%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 0 (0%)

Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
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.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
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.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Train subordinates in programming and program coding.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Develop Web sites.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Train users on the use and function of computer programs.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task

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Questions about computer programmers and AI

Will AI replace computer programmers?

Probably not entirely, but the job is likely to change a lot. Computer Programmers score 95 out of 100 (very high exposure), #6 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 17 of the job's 17 tasks, 15 of them on its own. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which computer programmers tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "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".

Which computer programmers tasks are hardest for AI?

Every task in this job has some AI exposure, though 2 of them need extra software built around the AI.

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 11 of the 17 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as computer programmers, and what do they earn?

About 92,230 people in the US, with median pay of $100,390 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.