Computer Programmers
Machines can already do 58% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 82%. Most of the work is changing now.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Computer Programmers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 58% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 75% of them.
- Forecast: machines can already do half of its tasks, and 82% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 92,230 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $100,390 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 60% for contact with people.
- Also called: Analyst Programmer, Application Programmer Analyst, Computer Programmer, Computer Programmer Analyst.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic | 23% | 81% to 97% | |
| Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced | 14% | 45% to 78% | |
| Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements | 10% | 83% to 97% | |
| Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes | 10% | 25% to 55% | |
| 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 | 9% | 81% to 97% | |
| Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct | 9% | 25% to 65% | |
| Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program | 5% | 80% to 97% | |
| 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 | 4% | 77% to 97% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills computer programmers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Remote Sensing Technicians79% of tasks by 2035 · US median $62,280
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects71% of tasks by 2035 · US median $116,580
- Computer Network Architects73% of tasks by 2035 · US median $134,050
- Software Developers76% of tasks by 2035 · US median $135,980
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Computer Programmers?
Machines can already do half of its tasks. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of computer programmers?
Machines can do 58% of the tasks of computer programmers today and 82% by 2035. Most of the routine work moves to machines, and the people in the job move to oversight, judgement and client work.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 15-1251.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Computer Programmers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/computer-programmers/