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Technology & Data · Updated Aug 2026

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

JVS 2.0.0-phase4b
AI Exposure
70/100
High

How much of this occupation’s work can be materially affected by current AI systems.

Replacement Risk
68/100
High

How likely exposure is to translate into reduced human demand.

Includes provisional estimates for AI adoption pressure and labour-market resilience. How this is measured

Evidence quality
Confidence83/100
Task coverage87%

Confidence reflects task coverage, mapping and capability-evidence quality, and how much of the score rests on provisional inputs.

Task-level evidence

What is driving the score?

Occupation scores are built from the task mix—not a single prediction about a job title.

JVS 2.0.0-phase4b
TaskImportanceAI impactExposure
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.High
81
Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.High
79
Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.High
80
Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.Medium
77
Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.Medium
80
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.High
51
Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.Medium
78
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.Medium
79
Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.Medium
74
Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.Medium
80
Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.Medium
77
Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.Medium
81
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.High
25
Most exposed

Where AI can do more

Routine, digitized, and highly repeatable tasks face the greatest pressure.

  1. Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.81
  2. Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.81
  3. Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.80
  4. Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.80
Hardest to automate

Where people still matter

These tasks score lowest on automation feasibility—physical presence, judgement, accountability and real-world variability all resist end-to-end automation.

  1. Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.01
  2. 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.02
  3. Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.03
  4. Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.04
  5. Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.05
Where else this work leads

Related occupations

Occupations O*NET links to this one. Relatedness reflects shared work, not a claim that these roles are safer.

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Beyond AI capability

Adoption and labour-market outlook

Structural factors are kept separate from raw capability so you can see what actually resists automation. Adoption pressure and labour-market resilience are still provisional models—25% of this occupation’s replacement-risk weight rests on them.

Human dependency59
Physical dependency27
Adoption pressure67
Labour-market resilience47
Methodology & sources

O*NET 30.3 occupational data interpreted through the JobsVsAI capability, automation and structural-constraint models.

Confidence83/100
CalculatedAug 21, 2026
Read methodology →