The AI Impact Timeline: What to Expect
The impact of AI on software development is not a distant threat but an evolving reality. Junior developers focused on routine coding tasks face the earliest impact, with significant changes expected as early as 2026. By 2029, a substantial 50% of typical developer tasks are predicted to be automated, fundamentally altering workflows.
The initial wave of automation, beginning around 2026, will disproportionately affect entry-level positions. AI tools are anticipated to reduce the need for manual coding, potentially leading to a decline of 25-35% in entry-level roles as team sizes are optimized.
By 2029, mid-level developers, particularly those with 3-7 years of experience who haven't adapted to AI tools or developed advanced architectural skills, will encounter increased competition and wage compression as AI-driven efficiency becomes the norm.