The US software engineering job market, as seen on Indeed, has decreased by over one-third compared to five years ago, a drop that feels even steeper given the pandemic's high demand. This is partially attributed to the rise of AI, which increases coder productivity but potentially reduces hiring needs.
Salesforce's CEO predicts reduced engineering hires due to AI's productivity gains. The introduction of AI software engineers has sparked concern among coders about job security, particularly for junior roles.
Despite these concerns, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 17% growth in software developer jobs from 2023-2033.
The increasing use of AI is expected to shift the focus of software engineers towards managing and overseeing AI-generated code, rather than solely writing it. Experts predict a reduction in time spent coding, with AI handling routine tasks. This shift could change how companies hire and utilize software engineers.