JOB REPORT / 15-1251 · 17 TASKS

Computer Programmers.

Can AI do the work of Computer Programmers?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

How does this fit your work?

How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

Drag the dot. There’s no wrong answer; it starts at our estimate.

Starting pointOur estimate

The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide…
Develop Web sites
Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications…

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Computer Programmers work. It covers the 17 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

17 of 17 tasks reviewed

We went through all 17 core tasks in this job, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Computer Programmers actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
AI DOES
Drafts user guides, formats steps, and suggests plain-language rewrites
YOU DO
Verify technical accuracy and tailor content to real user needs
TASK 02
Develop Web sites.
AI DOES
Generates starter code, HTML/CSS templates, and suggests fixes
YOU DO
Understand what the client truly needs and make smart design calls
TASK 03
Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
AI DOES
Runs automated tests, flags errors, and suggests code fixes
YOU DO
Judge whether results actually match real-world requirements
TASK 04
Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
AI DOES
Drafts code, spots bugs, explains error messages, and suggests fixes
YOU DO
Own the system decisions, weigh risks, and know what 'good enough' means for your specific setup
TASK 05
Train subordinates in programming and program coding.
AI DOES
Generates lesson plans, explains concepts, writes code examples, and creates practice problems
YOU DO
Watch how each person learns and adjust your teaching style to fit them
TASK 06
Train users on the use and function of computer programs.
AI DOES
Drafts training materials, answers user questions, and explains program features step by step
YOU DO
Read learner confusion and adapt your teaching style in real time
TASK 07
Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.
AI DOES
Summarizes team progress, flags blockers, and drafts status reports or review notes
YOU DO
Build trust with your team and make the final calls on priorities and people
TASK 08SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
AI DOES
Generates code patches and refactoring suggestions automatically
YOU DO
Decide what changes truly serve users
About this analysis
62% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 09SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
AI DOES
Spots bugs and suggests fixes automatically
YOU DO
Verify the fix solves the right problem
About this analysis
59% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 10SOURCE-BACKED TASK
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.
AI DOES
Generates code snippets and suggests fixes
YOU DO
Design the system and solve complex problems
About this analysis
57% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 11SOURCE-BACKED TASK
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.
AI DOES
Generates code from workflow descriptions and diagrams
YOU DO
Design the logic and verify it works
About this analysis
53% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 12SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
AI DOES
Generates code from descriptions and suggests fixes
YOU DO
Design the logic and verify it works
About this analysis
47% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 13SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
AI DOES
Generates code comments and draft documentation
YOU DO
Decide what teammates actually need to know
About this analysis
40% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 14SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
AI DOES
Suggests solutions and walks through troubleshooting steps
YOU DO
Read the situation and guide the conversation
About this analysis
17% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 15SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.
AI DOES
Monitors system performance and flags potential issues
YOU DO
Interpret the data and troubleshoot root causes
About this analysis
13% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 16SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
AI DOES
Prepares meeting agendas and summarizes technical issues
YOU DO
Build trust and navigate complex dynamics
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 17SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.
AI DOES
Generates code examples and technical documentation
YOU DO
Shape the vision and build relationships
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

START LEARNING AI

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There are 17 short lessons for this job, about 15 minutes each. Each one starts from a task above and teaches the part that stays with you.

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Computer Programmers
SOC code: 15-1251
Tasks reviewed: 17 of 17

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $100,390 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $104,610 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 92,230
Employed in Colorado: 930
Job outlook: −6% by 2034 · ~5,500 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.

Develop Web sites.

Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.

Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.

Train subordinates in programming and program coding.

Train users on the use and function of computer programs.

Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.

Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.

Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.

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.

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.

Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.

Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.

Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.

Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.

Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.

Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.