Software Developers
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- Related work experience
- None
- Typical on-the-job training
- None
Approved comparison
Software Developers vs. Computer Programmers
A structured comparison of two occupations. The data makes differences visible; it does not select a universal winner.
Software Developers median wage, 2025
$135,980
Computer Programmers median wage, 2025
$100,390
Separate signals
What the evidence says
Projected change and relative AI exposure describe different dimensions of work. Read them together without turning either into a personal forecast.
Labor market
- Projected employment change, 2025–2035
- 10.2% vs. -7.3%
- Annual average openings, 2025–2035
- 95,300 vs. 4,400
Relative AI exposure
Software Developers: Very high
Computer Programmers: Very high
These are BLS relative categories, not automation probabilities or employment forecasts.
Preparation
What entry may require
These source fields describe typical entry preparation for an occupation, not a guarantee or a complete list of local requirements.
Computer Programmers
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- Related work experience
- None
- Typical on-the-job training
- None
Where they overlap
Shared O*NET skill names in these records include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Mathematics, Science.
Shared work activities
Getting Information, Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings, Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events, Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials, Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information, Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People.
Where they differ
Software Developers representative tasks
- Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
- Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
- Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
Computer Programmers representative tasks
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
Questions to consider
- Which daily tasks fit the kind of work you want to do?
- What education, experience, or licensing gaps need verification?
- How do pay and projected change compare in the same source period?
- What does relative AI exposure leave unanswered about each role?
Ask JobShift
Ask Dr. Morgan Reed about this evidence
Morgan is the JobShift Atlas analyst powered by AI. Answers draw from the evidence on this page and explain what it can tell you.
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