Sridhar Vembu Says "Better Salary For Software Techies Not Birthright"

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu warns that AI could make many software jobs vanish. Learn why AI is a threat and how developers can adapt to survive.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu Warns Software Developers: "Only The Paranoid Survive".

ZOHO CEO Sridhar Vembu

The rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, and the tech job market is no exception. Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a stark warning to software developers: high-paying jobs may disappear due to the AI revolution, and professionals should not take their salaries for granted.

His message has sparked discussions about the future of software engineering, the impact of AI on jobs, and how professionals can stay relevant.Mr Vembu warned all software engineers that 'high pay is not some birthright'. He also added "The productivity revolution I see coming to software development (LLMs + tooling) could destroy a lot of software jobs".

 
In this blog post, we’ll break down Vembu’s warning, explore why AI threatens traditional tech jobs, and provide actionable steps for developers to future-proof their careers.  

Sridhar Vembu’s Warning About AI: Key Takeaways  

In his X post, Vembu highlighted that AI advancements, particularly in coding and automation, could drastically reduce the demand for conventional software engineering roles.  Here’s a simple interpretation of his message: 

 
1. High Salaries Aren’t Guaranteed Forever – Many software engineers enjoy lucrative paychecks, but AI-driven automation could make some roles obsolete. 

 
2. AI Can Write Code Faster and Cheaper – Tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and Google’s Gemini can already generate code, debug, and optimize software, reducing the need for human coders.  

3. Adapt or Risk Becoming Obsolete– Developers must upskill, focus on problem-solving, creativity, and domain expertise rather than just coding.  

Vembu’s warning aligns with growing concerns that AI could replace routine programming jobs, forcing professionals to evolve or face unemployment. 

I have often said this to our employees: the fact that software engineers get paid better than mechanical engineers or civil engineers or chemists or school teachers is not some birthright and we cannot take that for granted, and we cannot assume it will last forever.

The fact…

— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) May 18, 2025

Why AI Is A Threat To Software Jobs ?

Illustration of how AI and Machine learning is mimicking the human intelligence. 

1. AI-Powered Coding Tools Are Getting Smarter

• GitHub Copilot and Amazon Code Whisperer can write, review, and optimize code.  
• ChatGPT-4 can debug, refactor, and even explain complex algorithms.  
• Low-code/no-code platforms allow non-developers to build apps with minimal coding knowledge.  

As these tools improve, companies may hire fewer entry-level developers, relying instead on AI-assisted development. 

 
2. Automation Reduces Need for Manual Coding 
Many software tasks (like debugging, testing, and documentation) are repetitive. AI can handle these faster and at a lower cost than human engineers. 

 
3. Companies Seek Cost Efficiency  
If AI can deliver 80% of a developer’s output at 20% of the cost, businesses will prefer automation over high-salaried employees. 

 
4. Demand Shifts Towards AI Specialists
While routine coding jobs may decline, AI/ML engineers, data scientists, and prompt engineers will be in high demand.

  

How Software Developers Can Survive the AI Revolution? 

Illustration of how AI and Machine learning is mimicking the human intelligence.

Vembu’s warning isn’t meant to scare developers but to push them towards adaptability. Here’s how you can stay ahead:  
1. Move Beyond Just Coding  

• Learn system design, architecture, and cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP).  
• Focus on problem-solving and business logic rather than just writing code.  

2. Master AI and Machine Learning  

• Upskill in AI, ML, and data science to remain valuable.  
• Learn how to integrate AI tools into workflows instead of competing with them.  

3. Develop Soft Skills  

• Creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration are harder for AI to replicate.  
• Roles like product management, UX design, and consulting will still need human insight.  

4. Work on Real-World Projects  

• AI can write code, but it struggles with domain-specific knowledge.  
• Developers who understand healthcare, finance, or manufacturing will have an edge.  

5. Embrace AI as a Tool, Not a Threat

• Use AI coding assistants to boost productivity.  
• Instead of fearing AI, learn how to supervise and refine AI-generated code.  

What Companies Like Zoho Are Doing Differently?  

Zoho, under Vembu’s leadership, has always focused on sustainable growth and rural employment. Unlike many tech giants that rely heavily on high-cost urban talent, Zoho:  

• Trains employees in-house rather than depending on expensive degrees.  
• Invests in rural tech hubs, reducing dependency on big-city talent pools.  
• Encourages multidisciplinary skills beyond just coding.  

This approach makes Zoho more resilient to AI disruptions, compared to companies that over-rely on traditional software roles. 

 

The Future of Software Jobs: Will AI Replace Developers?  

While AI will automate many coding tasks, it won’t eliminate the need for developers entirely. Instead:  
Low-level coding jobs (basic debugging, repetitive tasks) may decline.  
High-value roles (AI trainers, system architects, domain experts) will grow.  
Human oversight will be needed to ensure AI-generated code is efficient and secure.  

The key takeaway?
Developers must evolve from "code writers" to "solution architects." 
Adapt Now or Get Left Behind. 

Sridhar Vembu’s warning is a wake-up call for the tech industry. AI is coming for routine programming jobs, and professionals who rely solely on coding skills risk becoming obsolete.  
The future belongs to those who adapt, innovate, and leverage AI rather than compete with it. Will you be left behind, or will you evolve? 

 

FAQs related to impact of AI on jobs.

Q: Will AI replace all software jobs?  
A: No, but it will automate repetitive tasks. Developers who upskill in AI, system design, and problem-solving will remain valuable. 

 
Q: What skills should I learn to stay relevant? 
A: AI/ML, cloud computing, data science, and soft skills like critical thinking and collaboration.

  
Q: How can I use AI to boost my career?  
A: Use AI coding assistants (like Copilot) to improve efficiency, but focus on higher-level tasks that require human judgment. 

 
Q: Is a high salary in software engineering at risk? 
A: Yes, if you only do routine coding. But those who specialize in AI, architecture, and niche domains will still command high pay. 

 
By understanding Sridhar Vembu’s warning and taking proactive steps, developers can thrive in the AI era rather than becoming obsolete. The choice is yours—adapt or risk being replaced.
What do you think? Will AI take your job, or will you use it to advance your career? Let us know in the comments!