[paulbaumgart]

Programming is not like building houses. The computers on which the software runs are the "house builders"-- the parts of the system doing the repetitive work. Programmers are the architects and civil engineers who are tasked with inventing new types of houses every time.

[siavosh]

Not that I disagree with you, but have you looked at a typical architect's salary and job prospects?

[paulbaumgart]

It seems there's a lot more demand for different types of software than there is for different types of houses.

[BerislavLopac]

Especially since most of the house design is now done by software.

[IanChiles]

To add on to your point - you can program anything with little to no startup costs anymore, whereas you can't build anything architecture wise without large amounts of money.