Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the job landscape, and nowhere is this more visible than in the tech sector. In 2025, AI is not just a supporting tool but an active participant in the workplace. While it’s driving efficiencies and enabling innovation, it’s also putting certain roles under pressure. Understanding these shifts is essential for professionals and employers alike.
Is it an Employer’s or Employee’s Market?
In 2025, the tech jobs market remains competitive, but the pendulum has slightly swung in favour of employers. While skilled candidates are still in high demand, especially in AI, cybersecurity, and data science, companies have become more selective and cautious with hiring. As automation replaces some mid-level and entry-level functions, organisations are investing in fewer, more specialised roles. This shift is especially visible in large enterprise settings and startups adjusting to post-2023 tech sector contractions.
AI’s Growing Influence: Which Tech Jobs Are at Risk?
AI’s ability to handle repetitive and rule-based tasks is increasing rapidly. Some roles are more exposed to automation than others, especially those involving routine work or lower complexity. Based on industry reports and expert analysis, here are the tech jobs most impacted:
- Entry-Level Software Developers: AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot are increasingly writing boilerplate and template code. According to Microsoft, 30% of code written by developers using GitHub is now AI-generated.
- Quality Assurance (QA) Testers: Tools like Testim and Mabl can generate and execute tests automatically. AI handles regression testing faster and more accurately than manual testers, reducing demand for junior QA roles.
- Technical Support Specialists: AI chatbots, like those from Zendesk and Intercom, resolve a significant volume of user queries without human interaction. This trend is set to continue as natural language processing improves.
- System and Network Administrators: Automated patching, monitoring, and cloud orchestration tools are taking over daily admin tasks. Platforms like AWS and Azure are increasingly self-managing, reducing the need for traditional IT maintenance roles.
- Database Administrators: AI-powered solutions like Oracle’s Autonomous Database can tune and optimise themselves, making some aspects of the DBA role redundant.
- Junior Graphic Designers: Tools like Adobe Firefly and MidJourney are enabling non-designers to create high-quality visuals, reducing reliance on entry-level creative staff for basic tasks.
New Tech Roles Emerging from AI Adoption
While some roles are being phased out or transformed, AI is also giving rise to new tech positions that require strategic, creative, and ethical thinking. These include:
- AI Product Managers: Professionals who understand both technology and business to oversee the development of AI-powered products.
- Machine Learning Engineers: Experts who design, build, and refine AI models across industries, from finance to healthcare.
- AI Ethicists and Policy Leads: Specialists ensuring AI systems are fair, transparent, and aligned with regulatory standards.
- Prompt Engineers: A relatively new role involving crafting effective prompts to guide large language models like GPT-4 and beyond.
How to Stay Competitive
With automation rising, adaptability and upskilling are critical. Professionals should consider expanding into AI, data analytics, or cloud computing — all of which remain in high demand. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Google’s Career Certificates offer accessible ways to pivot or advance in the tech space.
Conclusion
The influence of AI on tech jobs in 2025 is profound and far-reaching. While it’s clear some roles are being reshaped or reduced, others are being created that offer exciting new opportunities. For those willing to adapt, upskill, and embrace AI as a co-pilot rather than a competitor, the future is still very bright in tech.