How do generative AI tools reshape the software engineering workforce?
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New research in Contemporary Economic Policy reveals that generative artificial intelligence tools like GitHub Copilot may lead to more, not fewer, jobs in the software engineering workforce.
By analyzing LinkedIn and GitHub data, investigators found that firms adopting GitHub Copilot are likely to increase hiring of software engineers, with new hires coming in with more non-programming skills without losing coding capability.
Specifically, adoption was associated with a 3–5% higher monthly probability of hiring software engineers, driven by entry-level hires. New hires exhibited approximately 5% more non-programming skills, with no decrease in coding skills.
“Our data suggest generative AI is expanding opportunities in the software workforce,” said corresponding author Matthew Baird, Ph.D., of LinkedIn.
“Firms adopting these tools are hiring more engineers, especially early career talent, and valuing a wider mix of skills—all without sacrificing core technical ability. AI isn’t narrowing the talent pool; it’s widening it.”
Publication details
Firms’ GitHub Copilot Adoption and Labor Market Outcomes for Software Engineers, Contemporary Economic Policy (2026). DOI: 10.1111/coep.70035
Citation:
How do generative AI tools reshape the software engineering workforce? (2026, April 22)
retrieved 23 April 2026
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