Why Are Programmers’ Salaries Declining? Insights from Recent Zhihu Discussions

Recent freelance activity has surged, but programmers now face a tougher job market due to AI, layoffs, and salary cuts.

The author cites a Zhihu question titled “Why are programmers' salaries getting lower?” and shares five notable answers.

Answer 1

The industry is likened to “civil 2.0”: core software foundations are complete, so demand for games and apps has sharply declined, leaving many developers oversupplied; only AI remains relatively vibrant.

Answer 2

During the internet boom, salaries were artificially high; as the sector cools, wages are returning to normal levels. Many ordinary developers earned above local averages, and short‑term training could launch them at high salaries, but the market correction is now evident.

Answer 3

Most domestic companies need only low‑skill “screw‑driving” labor, not technical or business talent, so they pay wages appropriate for such tasks. High‑end firms are excluded; the bulk of these jobs are in outsourcing for large factories, government, and banks.

Answer 4

Mid‑ and low‑end development has become saturated; slower economic growth reduces IT budgets, decreasing both development and maintenance demand. A flood of graduates and training programs creates oversupply, while high‑end software remains scarce, keeping AI, graphics, and engine specialists well‑paid.

Answer 5

Capital has retreated, ending the frenzy of investment that once drove rapid expansion. Companies now cut costs, leading to fewer positions and lower salary growth. Basic programming skills are increasingly replaceable by AI, and firms prioritize immediate productivity over potential, reinforcing the view of programmers as tools rather than people.