US software hiring rose nearly 15% post-Claude Code launch, outpacing overall market decline. Growth concentrated in senior and AI roles, which accounted for 71% and 37% of increases respectively. Junior positions declined by 20%, raising concerns about the talent pipeline. While entry-level demand dropped, long-term projections show a 10% growth in software developers through 2035. Experts urge early-career workers to master AI tools while maintaining core skills to ensure future senior talent availability.