63% of developers have more work since non-devs began coding with AI, but most say it's good for the industry
A Zapier survey of 797 U.S. developers finds 63% report increased workloads after non-devs began coding with AI, yet 66% view the shift positively as their roles evolve toward strategy and governance.
AI coding tools have automated repetitive tasks, but 63% of professional developers now report heavier workloads as non-technical coworkers adopt these tools. The increase stems from new responsibilities in oversight, collaboration, and governance rather than traditional coding duties. Developers acknowledge the tools free them from basic syntax work, yet the time saved is often redirected into higher-level tasks that require deeper expertise.
Among developers whose workloads rose significantly, 88% still consider the shift positive for the industry, indicating broad acceptance despite personal workload pressures. The survey found 34% of workers using AI coding tools at work lack formal programming backgrounds, with over half shipping customer-facing tools. This expansion of non-traditional builders has reshaped expectations for entry-level roles in software development.
The role of developers has shifted meaningfully for 84% of respondents, with 56% moving toward strategic priorities like system architecture and infrastructure. Developers are also focusing on cross-functional collaboration (40%) and governance (39%), acting as decision-makers rather than hands-on coders. These changes underscore the need for enterprise control tools to manage automation safely while maintaining security and data integrity.
Only 14% of developers report a shrinking scope of work, while another 14% see no change, indicating AI is reassigning rather than eliminating roles. Early-career developers are advised to prioritize skills in security, AI/ML understanding, and technical strategy to remain competitive in a changing industry landscape.