Verdict
Data Analyst and Software Developer are effectively tied on AI exposure (55 vs 58). Choose on pay, interest and entry cost — not on automation risk.
Technology
58 /100
Designs, builds and maintains software systems.
Full risk profile →| Metric | Data Analyst | Software Developer |
|---|---|---|
| AI Fear Score | 55/100 | 58/100 |
| Risk band | At risk | At risk |
| Automation probability | 35% | 40% |
| LLM task exposure | 80% | 80% |
| Median pay (BLS) | $84,000 | $132,000 |
| US workers | 350,000 | 1,600,000 |
| Timeline | 2–5 years — AI writes queries and summaries; framing questions stays human. | Augmented now; AI writes code but architecture and judgment scale up in value. |
The usual pivots that reuse your experience while cutting exposure: Staff/principal engineer, Engineering manager. See the full plan →
They're effectively tied: Data Analyst scores 55/100 and Software Developer scores 58/100 on our AI exposure scale.
Software Developer pays more at the median: $132,000 vs $84,000 (BLS May 2024).
Scores are estimates, not predictions — two research anchors applied to task mixes, with BLS May-2024 wages and employment. Not career advice.