Microsoft releases list of jobs most at risk from AI

Microsoft has published a new study identifying professions most vulnerable to disruption by artificial intelligence.

Researchers analyzed over 200,000 interactions with Bing Copilot — Microsoft’s AI-powered search assistant that provides direct answers instead of traditional links. The tool performed best when responding to queries related to occupations that typically require at least a bachelor’s degree. It was less effective when addressing tasks involving manual labor, including agriculture and construction.

The study outlined professions where the applicability of AI either strongly aligns or diverges from expectations. In other words, it offers a glimpse into which jobs are most and least likely to be replaced.

Top 10 professions most susceptible to AI impact:

• Interpreters and translators
• Historians
• Passenger attendants
• Sales representatives of services
• Writers and authors
• Customer service representatives
• CNC tool programmers
• Telephone operators
• Ticket agents and travel clerks
• Broadcast announcers and radio DJs

Top 10 professions least susceptible to AI impact:

• Logging equipment operators
• Motorboat operators
• Orderlies
• Floor sanders and finishers
• Pile driver operators
• Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators
• Foundry mold and coremakers
• Water treatment plant and system operators
• Bridge and lock tenders
• Dredge operators

Researchers note that AI isn’t necessarily capable of performing all tasks associated with a given role. While the nature of a job may overlap with AI capabilities, the percentage of responsibilities that can be automated remains limited.

Microsoft’s takeaway: It’s still too early to predict exactly how AI will reshape the job market.