Computer Programmers
Computer and Mathematical Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 15-1251.00
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.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Very high· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.745
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.57
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
Task-level exposure
Show 7 hidden tasks17 rated tasks · 17 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (100.0%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
| Task (O*NET 30.2) | Claude.aiRaw / share % | APIRaw / share % |
|---|---|---|
Develop Web sites.15-1251.00 | 0.520032.1 | —0 |
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.15-1251.00 | 0.330020.4 | 0.430032.3 |
Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.15-1251.00 | 0.280017.3 | 0.380028.6 |
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.15-1251.00 | 0.280017.3 | 0.210015.8 |
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.15-1251.00 | 0.15009.3 | 0.210015.8 |
Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.15-1251.00 | 0.03001.9 | 0.03002.3 |
Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.15-1251.00 | 0.01000.6 | 0.05003.8 |
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.15-1251.00 | 0.01000.6 | 0.01000.8 |
Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.15-1251.00 | 0.01000.6 | 0.00000.0 |
Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.15-1251.00 | 0.00000.0 | 0.01000.8 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.O*NET Task ID 1267 | 1.0 |
Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.O*NET Task ID 1268 | 1.0 |
Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.O*NET Task ID 1269 | 1.0 |
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.O*NET Task ID 1270 | 1.0 |
Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.O*NET Task ID 1271 | 1.0 |
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.O*NET Task ID 1272 | 1.0 |
Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.O*NET Task ID 1273 | 1.0 |
Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.O*NET Task ID 1274 | 1.0 |
Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.O*NET Task ID 1275 | 1.0 |
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.O*NET Task ID 1276 | 1.0 |
Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.O*NET Task ID 1277 | 1.0 |
Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.O*NET Task ID 1278 | 1.0 |
Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.O*NET Task ID 1280 | 1.0 |
Train subordinates in programming and program coding.O*NET Task ID 1281 | 1.0 |
Develop Web sites.O*NET Task ID 21049 | 1.0 |
Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.O*NET Task ID 1279 | 0.5 |
Train users on the use and function of computer programs.O*NET Task ID 21050 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (17)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced. | Core |
| Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct. | Core |
| Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes. | Core |
| Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements. | Core |
| Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic. | Core |
| Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users. | Core |
| Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer. | Core |
| Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs. | Core |
| Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel. | Core |
| Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods. | Supplemental |
| Train subordinates in programming and program coding. | Supplemental |
| Develop Web sites. | Supplemental |
| Train users on the use and function of computer programs. | Supplemental |
0.00/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
None of this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks is classified as a physical task.
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 111K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 103K
- Change (2025–35)
- -7.3%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $100,390
- Typical education needed for entry
- Bachelor's degree
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22222 | 시스템 소프트웨어 프로그래머 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 2514Applications Programmers
The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.
Applications programmers write and maintain programmable code outlined in technical instructions and specifications for software applications and operating systems.
Tasks
- (a) writing and maintaining programme code outlined in instructions and specifications in accordance with quality accredited standards;
- (b) revising, repairing or expanding existing programmes to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements;
- (c) conducting trial runs of programmes and software applications to confirm that they will produce the desired information;
- (d) compiling and writing documentation of programme development;
- (e) identifying and communicating technical problems, processes and solutions.
Example occupations
Applications programmer
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- software developerESCO 2512.3Overlapping, not the same
Software developers implement or program all kinds of software systems based on specifications and designs by using programming languages, tools, and platforms.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| M1805 | Développeur / Développeuse informatique | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
| M1861 | Développeur / Développeuse logiciel ou d'application | Overlapping, not the sameprovisional |
| M1810 | Technicien / Technicienne d'exploitation informatique | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 3820 | Programadores informáticos | Same scopeprovisional |
| 2712 | Analistas y diseñadores de software | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 43423 | Berufe in der Programmierung - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
| 43412 | Berufe in der Softwareentwicklung - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Overlapping, not the same |
| 43103 | Berufe in der Informatik (ohne Spezialisierung) - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| 43122 | Berufe in der technischen Informatik - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 104 | ソフトウェア作成者 | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Recent Changes Related to This Occupation
Summaries and relation labels are AI Changing Work's own; check any figures against the linked source.
Related Anthropic's new "observed exposure" measure (Massenkoff & McCrory, Mar 2026) puts Computer Programmers first among its ten most exposed occupations, with 75% task coverage. For the Computer & Math category as a whole, Claude covers 33% of tasks, against 94% that LLMs could theoretically speed up (Eloundou et al. β).
[Source: Anthropic Economic Research (Massenkoff & McCrory, 2026)]Related Frank et al. (arXiv, Jan 2026): computer and math occupations (SOC 15), which include computer programmers, had the largest rise in unemployment risk of any occupation group in 2022-2024, and it began before ChatGPT. Graduates whose coursework was more AI-exposed had higher first-job pay and shorter job searches after ChatGPT.
[Source: Frank et al. (2026) arXiv:2601.02554]Related Bank of Korea (Nov 2025): juniors mostly do codified, textbook-style knowledge work that AI can do quickly. Since November 2022, youth employment in computer programming and system integration fell 11.2%, while employment of core-age workers, including those in their 50s, kept rising.
[Source: Bank of Korea Employment Research (2025)]
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources