Coding Jobs in Crisis: AI Takes Over, Young Graduates Lose Out

The tech industry is evolving rapidly, and not necessarily for the better, especially for young professionals who have just earned their coding degrees. A few years ago, learning to code was a surefire path to a lucrative career. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically.

The Decline in Coding Jobs

A recent study reveals a 13% drop in job opportunities for young coders, particularly those aged 22 to 25. This demographic, fresh out of school and eager to start their careers, is facing a harsh reality. The job market for coding peaked in 2022, but by July 2025, it had plummeted by nearly 20%.

The AI Paradox

Contrary to popular belief, AI is not aiding coders but rather exacerbating the problem. Veteran developers note that young coders rely heavily on AI tools, which enable them to write code more quickly. However, this reliance comes at a cost: a lack of deep understanding of the code they produce. This could lead to significant issues when problems arise.

The Pitfalls of AI-Generated Code

AI-generated code is riddled with errors and security vulnerabilities. Studies show that developers using AI are 19% slower and have to rectify more mistakes. Despite the perception of increased efficiency, the quality of the code suffers. Additionally, AI-generated code has been found to contain numerous security flaws, posing risks to software integrity and user safety.

The Broader Implications

As fewer individuals possess the skills to troubleshoot and fix code effectively, the time required to resolve issues will inevitably increase. This is particularly concerning given that critical sectors like banking are increasingly utilizing AI to write code. Consequently, not only are young coders losing job opportunities, but the software we all depend on may also become less secure.