Software Developers, Applications
Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.
AI Impact Summary
Software Developers, Applications faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 41/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 70% of all analyzed occupations. Of 15 analyzed tasks, 5 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact Analysis
6
AI-Vulnerable
7
AI-Resistant
5
AI-Augmented
AI-Vulnerable
High reliance on Programming is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
AI-Resistant
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
How AI Impacts Each Task
15 tasks analyzed
Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance. | 80 | 59.0% | 20% |
| Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints. | 60 | 51.0% | 12% |
| Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces. | 30 | 27.0% | 10% |
| Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements. | 90 | 85.2% | 5% |
| Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design. | 65 | 53.0% | 15% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 22.5%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
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