Who's on the clock?

Computer Programmers vs Software Developers

Computer programmers spend 5h 48m of a shift on tasks AI or robots touch; software developers spend 3h 20m. Here is how pay, outlook and training compare.

Time card for computer programmers: 5h 48m of an 8-hour shift touched by AI or robotsTime card: Computer Programmers →

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Computer programmers or software developers: which will AI change more? AI and robots touch more of the day for computer programmers: 5h 48m of an 8-hour shift, against 3h 20m for software developers. Software developers earn more, a median of $135,980 against $100,390.

The two jobs share related skills, including programming, technology design, operations analysis, so moving between them is realistic for many people.

Computer Programmers
5h 48mof an 8-hour shift touched by AI or robots
  • 2h 12mDone by people
  • 0mPeople do it with AI's help
  • 5h 48mAI mostly does it alone
  • 0mRobots have done it somewhere
Median pay
$100,390
U.S. workers
92,000
Outlook to 2035
-7.3%
Openings a year
4,400
Typical preparation
Bachelor's degree
See the full time card →
Software Developers
3h 20mof an 8-hour shift touched by AI or robotsLess AI time
  • 4h 40mDone by people
  • 1h 49mPeople do it with AI's help
  • 1h 31mAI mostly does it alone
  • 0mRobots have done it somewhere
Median pay
$135,980
U.S. workers
1.7 million
Outlook to 2035
+10.2%
Openings a year
95,000
Typical preparation
Bachelor's degree
See the full time card →

Computer Programmers

Where AI or robots show up most

  • Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic. 1h 48m
  • Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced. 1h 6m
  • Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements. 48m

Biggest tasks still done by people

  • Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes. 48m
  • Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct. 42m
  • Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel. 12m

Software Developers

Where AI or robots show up most

  • Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance. 1h 26m
  • Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints. 29m
  • Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status. 23m

Biggest tasks still done by people

  • Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design. 1h 49m
  • Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation. 46m
  • Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces. 40m

Swap in a different job Highlighted numbers are the higher of the two. Hours are estimates from each job's time card.