Today, more and more companies are embracing vibe coding, code written by AI. Artificial intelligence (AI) is making a big impact on how companies hire and what skills are needed. Many top IT companies are hiring fewer developers. The trend will continue, and leaders like Microsoft's CTO, NVIDIA's CTO, and others predict that in the next few years, the majority of the code will be written by AI.
AI Is Automating Programming Tasks
AI tools can now write code, find bugs, and automate many routine programming jobs. This means companies need fewer junior developers, because AI can do much of the work that entry-level programmers used to do. For example, tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT can help one experienced engineer do the work that once required a whole team. AI can write code and go through existing projects, find and fix bugs, suggest code refactoring for quality and performance, and even write code for newer versions.
Fewer Jobs for Junior Programmers
Recent college graduates and junior programmers will have difficulty getting jobs unless they learn new skills. Because of AI, many companies are not hiring as many new programmers. In January 2025 alone, the IT sector lost 152,000 jobs. Big tech companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google are hiring fewer people and focusing more on AI systems. Junior developers are finding it much harder to get jobs, and many worry about their future in the industry.
Demand for AI and Machine Learning Skills Grows
While regular programming jobs are shrinking, there is strong growth in jobs related to AI and machine learning. AI and machine learning roles have increased by 70% compared to a few years ago. Companies want people who can build, manage, and improve AI systems. Programmers who learn these new skills are more likely to find good jobs. Both AI and Web3 jobs will continue to rise, and so is the demand for data engineers.
Programming Jobs Are Moving to New Areas
Traditional tech companies are not the only ones hiring programmers. Other industries, like law enforcement, translation, and creative fields, are now hiring more software engineers to help with digital projects. However, the overall number of software engineering jobs is still lower than before the pandemic, down by about 35%.
Smaller Teams, More Contractors
Companies are building smaller, more efficient teams. They are hiring fewer full-time programmers and more contractors or freelancers. This means programmers need to show they can have a big impact, not just fill a seat on a large team.
New Skills Are Needed
To stay competitive, programmers need to learn how to work with AI, not against it. The most valuable skills now include:
- Using AI tools to write and review code
- Designing complex systems that AI cannot handle alone
- Managing AI and machine learning operations (MLOps)
- Adapting quickly and learning new technologies
Yes! AI is stealing programmers' jobs
Yes, AI is stealing programming jobs. There are fewer jobs for junior developers, but more opportunities for those with AI and machine learning skills. Programmers who learn to work with AI and keep updating their skills will have the best chances for success in the new job market.
So, what can you do to stay relevant? What junior and recent graduates can do to compete in the market?
Learn, learn, learn! Learn new programming tools and upskill in trending technologies such as Vibe coding. Vibe Coding is the new top trend in job marketing. Learn What is Vibe Coding and How to Get Started With It.