Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace software developers?AI replacement risk 76% and how the work is changing

United States IT & Software Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$135,980
25th–75th pct. $105,210–$171,980
Top pay (est.)
$279,100
Top 10% $214,670
Pay in 5 years
$154,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$174,600est.
$150,100–$202,700
Outlook score
59/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
76%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+10.2%
95K openings / yr

Will AI replace Software Developers? AI replacement risk

76%
High
Ranked #771 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Software Developers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.2
Systems Evaluation
4.1
Critical Thinking
4.1
Systems Analysis
3.9
Active Listening
3.9
Judgment and Decision Making
3.8
Technology Design
3.6
Writing
3.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics
6.2
Mathematics
4.5
Customer and Personal Service
4.1
Education and Training
3.7
English Language
3.6
Engineering and Technology
3.2
Design
3.1
Telecommunications
2.9

What the work involves

Thinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsProcessing InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkWorking with ComputersAnalyzing Data or InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Important abilities

Written ComprehensionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
85%
Associate's degree
5%
Master's degree
5%
High school diploma
3%
Post-secondary certificate
2%

Training before entry

None / short demo
43%
2–4 years
15%
Up to 1 month
13%
6–12 months
10%
1–2 years
10%
1–3 months
6%
4–10 years
4%

Related work experience

6–8 years
44%
4–6 years
15%
1–2 years
11%
Over 10 years
11%
8–10 years
8%
2–4 years
7%
None
4%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.