- This trend contradicts the general decline in the labor market, showing that the software industry remains very strong.
- However, growth is concentrated only on senior programmers, while entry-level positions have seen almost no increase and remain at a very low level.
- Senior salaries have increased by nearly 15% (inflation-adjusted), while junior salaries have only increased by about 5%.
- AI agents are replacing many basic tasks, making businesses hesitant to hire new people.
- AI does not reduce overall demand but creates the “Jevons paradox”: cheaper software leads to higher demand.
- The engineer’s role is shifting from “writing code” to “managing and coordinating AI,” requiring skills in thinking, communication, and a holistic view.
- The boundary between engineer and product manager is gradually disappearing, as people both code and direct product strategy.
- Long-term risk: a lack of a junior training pipeline, because “seniors cannot be created instantly.”
📌 AI is not killing the programming profession but is restructuring the entire industry. Demand is still rising but is concentrated in senior positions with salary increases of ~15%, while entry-level positions are nearly “frozen.” The work is shifting from writing code to managing AI and product thinking. The biggest challenge is not immediate job loss, but the risk of a shortage of the next generation of engineers in the future.
