Which Jobs Will AI Replace?

Some roles and industries, such as sales and manufacturing, are seeing transformation as artificial intelligence (AI) applications grow. The job market is changing with large-scale advances in AI and automation technology. Naturally, this has caused people to worry about the safety of their jobs and wonder which jobs AI will replace. In the current technological era, it’s important to understand the job market trends in relation to AI, both in terms of replacing and enhancing certain roles. Knowing where changes are happening or are likely to happen in the future can allow you to build skills that stay relevant.

Learn more about the types of jobs AI could replace and how you can make sure you have an armory of skills that AI cannot replicate or that you can utilize to work alongside AI developments. 

Introduction to AI and employment

AI developments, especially in the last year, are profoundly impacting the workplace, how businesses operate in terms of efficiency, and the use of applications. These applications rely on automation and AI technology to complete tasks previously only actionable by humans. ChatGPT is one example, which attracted over 100 million users in just two months [1]. According to Goldman Sachs, two-thirds of jobs are currently exposed to some level of automation [2]. 

However, as AI and automation technology are still new to the workplace—although developing fast—their impact on the labor market is still relatively unknown. For this reason, it is important to assess the broad impact they are starting to have or predict the effects they may have in the future by looking at the jobs that are most likely to lend themselves to automation and understanding why. 

The rise of AI in the workplace: Which jobs will AI replace?

Any job that involves capturing and processing information, analyzing data, making decisions, solving problems, and maintaining compliance has the potential for AI upgrades. AI automation technology supports businesses to improve efficiency by simplifying processes and reducing human error. Businesses use this widely to complete repetitive tasks quickly and consistently, speed up processes, improve compliance, and reduce costs. Automated checkouts are an example of AI technology in the workplace that you see in everyday life. 

In fact, as AI technology develops, trends show that it might replace routine jobs such as checkout assistants. However, the impact could be much wider, with the potential to affect low-wage jobs such as janitorial and home help services as well as higher-level managerial positions. According to McKinsey, AI could replace 30 percent of employee hours by 2030 [3].

Sectors and jobs at high risk of AI replacement

While it’s difficult to predict the extent to which AI will disrupt or enhance jobs, you can gather insights from what is already happening. Certain industries are at a high risk of losing jobs or parts of jobs to AI, owing to the type of tasks that easily lend themselves to automation.

1. Manufacturing and production

You’ll find examples of manufacturing and production jobs that have already seen the effects of AI. Automation and the use of machines and robots have begun replacing humans to perform repetitive tasks on assembly lines, in warehouses, and quality control. AI functions allow robots to complete tasks such as picking, packaging, welding, and performing quality control more efficiently. Having a robot complete these tasks means less human error and an increase in productivity because a robot doesn’t need breaks, potentially leading to a reduction in costs. 

2. Administrative and clerical work

AI can replicate many administrative tasks, including data entry, data management, appointment scheduling, and even customer service functions. Roles such as data entry assistants could be affected because AI systems can analyze large volumes of data quickly without the likelihood of human error. Receptionists and customer service professionals are also at risk due to the advent of scheduling software, automated telephone services, and AI chatbots.

3. Transportation and logistics

Transport and logistics are likely to see big changes. Drones are replacing courier delivery drivers, and self-driving vehicle technology is making headway, with companies like Uber adopting autonomous driving cars. 

4. Retail and customer service

You’ll likely have already seen AI’s impact on retail in the form of self-service checkouts and personalized online shopping experiences. You’ll also notice changes in customer service roles, with chatbots and automated systems to answer common queries.

5. Sales 

It may be hard to imagine salespeople being replaced, but AI bots are adept at lead generation and customer service, as well as interpreting data to discover trends and customer preferences. This extends to telesales as well, where companies use bots to make automated calls. 

Adapting to the future workforce

While the possibility of AI taking over some jobs is real, you must also note that the bigger picture is more complex. Jobs will continue to change as AI technology improves and progresses, but this also means new jobs are emerging. In fact, AI skills are in high demand, and employers are looking for candidates who can adapt to an AI-driven workforce. 

Along with new jobs, you can explore how AI might support you in your current role and how you can adapt to the changes in the job market by retraining and reframing your skills. AI advances are inevitable, so the way you embrace these changes is key.

Skills for the future

Knowing what skills AI is likely to replace means you can work on skills that are difficult to replicate or those that you can use alongside AI technology to enhance your job role. Skills that AI technology can’t currently replicate are very human traits such as emotional intelligence, physical activities, building relationships, judging qualities, and contextual creativity. 

Interestingly, in 2020, the World Economic Forum predicted the top five job skills for 2025, which include many that AI can’t yet replicate [4]:

• Analytical thinking and innovation

• Active learning and learning strategies

• Complex problem-solving

• Critical thinking and analysis

• Creativity, originality, and initiative 

With these skills in mind, the US Career Institute predicts 65 jobs that AI is least likely to replace. These roles involve qualities such as creativity, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and social skills. The roles mainly fall under the categories of education, health, creative industries, and personal services. The top five are as follows [5]:

• Nurse practitioners

• Choreographers

• Physician assistants

• Mental health counselors

• Nursing instructors and teachers 

The role of education and retraining

It is clear that AI technology will continue to revolutionize the workplace. To prepare for this, a good option is to undertake continuous learning practices to upskill so you can work in ways that AI can’t or work alongside it, taking advantage of what it brings. Currently, AI excels at streamlining processes and completing repetitive tasks but cannot use emotional intelligence or understand situational contexts. These are human traits and are still very important. For example, you may learn to use AI to automate your email marketing processes, allowing you to spend your time talking to clients and building relationships. 

It’s also helpful to recognize the limitations of AI and apply your human skills to understand the ethical implications of using it. As AI technology develops, this area is a growing ethical consideration. You can explore the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Course, a part of the Artificial Intelligence: an Overview Specialization on Coursera.

Next steps for learning about AI

AI technology is making headlines and continuing to change the way businesses operate. Some jobs are easier to replace with AI than others, and learning new skills or adapting the way you work means you can stay important and necessary. If you’d like to learn more about AI in general and how you might be able to use it alongside your work, take a look at the AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization offered by IBM.