Where AI can help
AI can generate code, tests and documentation drafts from supplied context.
Technology · A PICTURE OF THE OCCUPATION
Software Developers
Design, build and maintain applications used by people and organizations. The work combines architecture, code, testing and product decisions.
Observed AI exposureNot measured in this editionAnthropic · March 2026 study
Employment projection+10.2%2025–2035
Education typically neededBachelor’s degreeBLS · 2025
What the work looks like
- 01
Define how application components relate
- 02
Write code and integrate services
- 03
Test behavior, performance and security
- 04
Review changes and investigate production failures
- 05
Translate user needs into technical solutions
An example of an output
A shipped feature with tests, documentation and monitoring of its real behavior.
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.Work environment
Product teams, consultancies and organizations maintaining digital platforms. The rhythm moves between building, maintenance and incidents.
O*NET® 31.0 ↗Pay & demand
Mean annual pay$148,100
Median annual pay$135,980
Mean is the arithmetic average; median is the midpoint of the wage distribution. National occupational figures are not starting-salary promises.
10th percentile$82,460
90th percentile$214,670
Percentiles describe the workforce distribution, not junior and senior salary bands. Excludes self-employed workers; see the source for coverage.
BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗People employed in 20251,717,800
Projected openings per year95,300
Includes replacement needs over 2025–2035. These are projections, not open job advertisements.
BLS · 2025–2035 ↗AI & your work
What still needs judgment
Architecture, security, ambiguous requirements and user impact still require technical judgment.
The task discussion is editorial interpretation. Only the exposure percentage is reproduced from the study; we do not assign percentages to individual tasks.
Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗You can also develop within this occupation
Use the exercise below to practice a real task, check AI outputs and identify where you need more depth. A career change is one option, not a requirement.
Build a small application, ask AI for two implementations and compare testing, security, maintenance and clarity.
What entry usually requires
- Education typically needed
- Bachelor’s degree
- Related experience typically needed
- None specified in BLS classification
- Typical on-the-job training
- None specified in BLS classification
Typical requirements in BLS data, not universal hiring rules. Verify the employer’s requirements and any applicable credential or license.
BLS · 2025 ↗Skills to build on
Architectureprogrammingdebuggingproduct communication
Tools you may encounter
Programming languages · Git · APIs · testing and observability
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.
Where you could go next
These are researched starting points, not personalized recommendations or promises of lower AI exposure. Check the destination’s requirements and your own circumstances.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$111,490 Mean annual pay
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers ↗
Building software provides context for testing risks and behavior before release.
- What you can carry over
- Code, debugging and technical collaboration
- What you would need to learn
- Test strategy, risk and defect documentation
What to consider
Writing code does not replace learning how to prioritize tests and investigate user failures.
Explore the work before committing
1
Try a practical task
Build a small application, ask AI for two implementations and compare testing, security, maintenance and clarity.
2
Read real job requirements
Use the official occupation title below to search current listings. Check duties, location, experience and compensation. External search results have not been verified as active by this directory.
Software DevelopersSearch external job listings ↗3
Check your assumptions with someone doing the work
Ask which tasks take the most time, how AI changed the routine and what evidence of skill helped them enter. Compare their experience with the published data.
My Next Move ↗Sources & data notes
O*NET® 31.0 · 15-1252.00 ↗BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗BLS · 2025–2035 ↗Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗Source & definition ↗
Occupational descriptions adapt the O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. Is my job toast? translated, shortened and supplemented the material. USDOL/ETA has not approved or endorsed these changes. CC BY 4.0 ↗