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.
92,230 people do this job in the US. $100,390 a year.
of the working time. Estimate.
- 80%
- 20%
- 0%
Measured, from Anthropic's usage data (2025). Counts help on part of a task.
On the chosen pace and reliability. Estimate.
Share of the working time within reach, now to 2030
What each choice means: , , , , . Every pace starts from .
At this date and pace, models finish tasks up to 4.4 h long four times in five.
How far this has come
With GPT-4, measured in March 2023, 0% of this job's working time was within reach at . With Claude 3.7 Sonnet, measured in February 2025, 0%. With Claude Mythos Preview (early), measured in April 2026, 7%. Today's estimate: 12%.
A backcast: today's task data with the best model METR had measured by each date. It shows how fast the models have moved, not what anyone forecast at the time.
The tasks
Sorted by . 17 tasks from .
| Task | Kind | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.Done hourly or more by most who do it. AI observed on this task. | 12% | 6.7 h3.3 h to 4.2 work days | 9%Half by Aug 2027 | |
| Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.Done daily by most who do it. AI observed on this task. | 12% | 6.7 h1.7 h to 4.2 work days | Stays with people | |
| 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.Done several times a day by most who do it. AI observed on this task. | 12% | 2.1 work days3.3 h to 1.7 work weeks | 1%Half by Sep 2028 | |
| Develop Web sites.Done yearly or less by most who do it. | 12% | 4.2 work days6.7 h to 3.3 work weeks | 0%Half by Apr 2029 | |
| Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.Done daily by most who do it. AI observed on this task. | 10% | 1.3 work days3.3 h to 1 work week | 3%Half by Jan 2028 | |
| 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.Done more than monthly by most who do it. AI observed on this task. | 9% | 6.7 h1.7 h to 3.3 work days | 7%Half by Nov 2027 | |
| Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.Done more than yearly by most who do it. | 7% | 2.5 h50 min to 6.7 h | 46%Half by Oct 2026 | |
| Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.Done daily by most who do it. AI observed on this task. | 6% | 3.3 h50 min to 1 work day | 28%Half by Feb 2027 | |
| Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.Done several times a day by most who do it. AI observed on this task. | 6% | 1.7 h25 min to 6.7 h | 43%Half by Nov 2026 | |
| Train users on the use and function of computer programs.Done more than monthly by most who do it. | 2% | 2.5 h50 min to 1 work day | Stays with people | |
| Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 2% | 2.5 h50 min to 6.7 h | 46%Half by Oct 2026 | |
| Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.Done more than monthly by most who do it. | 2% | 6.7 h1.7 h to 4.2 work days | Stays with people |
Within reach, per task: the share of the task's time whose instances are short enough for a model to finish at the chosen date, pace and reliability. Half by: the date half of that time comes within reach.
Jobs that share skills with this one
From O*NET's related occupations. Within reach now and by the end of 2028, long-run pace, four in five.
Where this job works
The industry groups that employ the most of it (BLS, May 2025).
Where the most of these jobs are
The metro areas with the most people in it (BLS, May 2025).