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AI exposure Computer and mathematical

Will AI replace programmers?

Computer Programmers. US occupation 15-1251.

74.5%

of the time programmers spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of programmers' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.

Ranked 1 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 99% of them.Further along than 99% of them.

Average US job 7.7%

One of the most exposed jobs in the country.Front of the queue for an AI assistant.

What AI already does for programmersWhat programmers no longer do alone

O*NET lists 17 tasks for programmers. AI use at work shows up in 10 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.

  1. Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.Core task mostly automated 0.98
  2. Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.Core task mostly automated 0.98
  3. Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.Core task mostly automated 0.96
  4. 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 task mostly automated 0.93
  5. Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.Core task mostly automated 0.92
  6. Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.Core task mostly automated 0.92
  7. Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.Core task mostly automated 0.89
  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.Core task automated and assisted 0.84
Show the other 2
  1. Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.Core task automated and assisted 0.82
  2. Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.Core task automated and assisted 0.77

What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human

7 of the 17 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.

  • Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.Core task
  • Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.Core task
  • Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.Core task
  • Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.
  • Develop Web sites.
  • Train subordinates in programming and program coding.
Show the other 1
  • Train users on the use and function of computer programs.

How that compares

Among the 21 computer and mathematical occupations, programmers rank 1. The group averages 37.9%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.

All 756 occupations, ranked

Just below

  1. 2Customer Service Representatives 70.1%
  2. 3Data Entry Keyers 67.1%
  3. 4Medical Records Specialists 66.7%

What this does and does not mean

Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.

A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.

Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.