The findings suggest that approximately 20% of U.S. workers have jobs with tasks that are likely to be aided or replaced by AI. These jobs typically require analytical skills such as critical thinking, writing, science, and math, which make them more vulnerable to emerging technology.
Interestingly, workers in industries with higher exposure to AI are more optimistic about its impact on their jobs. These workers believe that AI will benefit rather than harm their employment prospects.
While it remains uncertain how many jobs are at risk due to AI, some evidence suggests that technology is already causing job losses. In May alone, AI contributed to nearly 4,000 job cuts.
So which jobs are most susceptible to AI?
Those with high exposure include budget analysts, data entry keyers, tax preparers, technical writers, and web developers.
Jobs with medium exposure include chief executives, veterinarians, interior designers, fundraisers, and sales managers.
On the other hand, jobs with low exposure include barbers, childcare workers, dishwashers, firefighters, and pipelayers.
Overall, around 19% of U.S. workers were in jobs highly exposed to AI last year, while 23% had jobs with the least exposure.
The impact of AI on job displacement remains unclear. AI could potentially substitute up to 25% of current work, with approximately two-thirds of jobs being exposed to some level of automation. However, historical data implies that the creation of new jobs has typically offset job displacements due to technological advancements.
Certain demographics are more exposed to AI than others. Women, Asian individuals, college-educated individuals, and higher-paid workers tend to have jobs that are more vulnerable to AI. This disparity is attributed to the types of jobs held by these demographics, with men often working in physically labor-intensive roles like construction, which are currently less exposed to AI.
Workers with a bachelor’s degree are more likely to have jobs with the highest exposure to AI compared to those with only a high school diploma. Additionally, women are more exposed than men, and Asian and white workers face greater exposure than black and Hispanic workers.
In terms of wages, workers in the most exposed jobs earned an average of $33 per hour, while those with the least exposure earned $20 per hour.
Despite concerns raised by AI company executives regarding job security, many workers, especially those in jobs considered highly exposed to AI, remain optimistic about AI’s impact. Among information and technology workers, 32% believe that AI will help them more than harm them, compared to only 11% who think it will do the opposite. In contrast, within the hospitality, services, and arts industries, which are considered less exposed to AI, only 14% believe it will help more than hurt, while 17% anticipate harm.
Overall, 16% of U.S. adults believe that AI will provide more help than harm, while 15% think it will do the opposite. Thirty percent believe AI will have an equal impact, both positive and negative, while 32% remain unsure.
In conclusion, AI’s influence on the job market is a topic of ongoing research and debate. While some jobs are at risk of automation, the emergence of new technology has historically resulted in the creation of new jobs. As workers become more familiar with AI, they perceive more benefits than drawbacks. It remains essential to closely monitor the impact of AI and ensure that its implementation benefits workers rather than replacing them.
