Though machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have been around a long time and have replaced some jobs, it’s only recently in the wake of Generative AI, that many people started asking, “What jobs will AI replace, and is one of them mine?” This is a fair question, and probably timely. While the general consensus has been that AI or robots would mostly replace manual labor or low-wage jobs, again in the wake of Generative AI it seems that may not be the case.
So, what jobs will AI replace, and is one of them yours? What jobs can AI not replace?
ChatGPT (the generative AI model) has arrived and has shaken things up and the reality of automation is bringing this question forward fast. The large language model (LLM) has people interested in AI and, of course, wondering what jobs AI could actually replace.
It is important to understand that this does not mean jobs in these sectors will disappear tomorrow, next week, or even in the next year. In my opinion, these roles will disappear over time, as a result of AI or other kinds of automation. “The primary reason is efficiency,” says Farooq Zafar, prompt engineer at Meta Platforms/Scale AI. “AI systems can often complete tasks faster, more accurately, and at a lower cost than human workers.” Zafar also points out that jobs with “thinking” tasks are more vulnerable to replacement.
“Jobs that rely on analyzing large sets of data, like basic financial analysis or certain types of research, are at risk because AI can process and analyze data much faster than humans.”
“Routine, repetitive tasks are most vulnerable,” he says. “Examples include data entry, basic customer service roles, and bookkeeping.” Even assembly line roles are at risk because robots tend to work faster than humans and don’t need bathroom breaks.
So, let’s take a look at the predictions:
- Transportation and material moving
- Sales and sales-related roles
- Production
- Office and administrative support
- Food preparation and service
- Business and financial operations
What jobs will not be replaced?
In my mind this is no surprise.
“Jobs deeply rooted in human interaction, empathy, and unpredictable environments stand the best chance against AI,” says Zafar. “Creative professions like artists, authors, and designers thrive on unique human perspectives. Therapists, social workers, and counselors rely on deep emotional understanding and human connection.”
As yet AI doesn’t possess these characteristics making it unlikely that AI will replace these kinds of jobs any time soon.
Similarly, roles that require creative thinking, complex problem-solving, and critical thinking are also safe from AI for now. As an example, Zafar points out that the ability to improvise and adapt when things change or you have to integrate new information into your plan are abilities that AI does not possess, so strategy consultants and other similar roles don’t have to worry about being replaced by AI.
So, jobs that AI is unlikely to replace in the future or anytime soon include:
- Management
- Installation, maintenance, and repair
- Health care practitioners and technicians
- Educational instruction
- Construction and extraction
These sectors represent a wide variety of job options. Some roles require a bachelor’s degree or even more advanced education, while others need far less. Education is generally concerned with foundational skills such as :
1. Creative Thinking
2. Problem solving
3. Critical Thinking
But these sectors also have two things in common, which make them less likely to be replaced by AI:
- they directly impact people and
- require problem-solving skills.
Avoid Being Replaced by AI
So, what can you do to protect your job from AI?
Focus on lifelong learning and skill acquisition.
Building your skills in areas like emotional intelligence, leadership, and interpersonal skills can make you more valuable to employers since AI is unlikely to develop these abilities any time soon.
Embrace change and learn new technologies to make yourself invaluable.
Embrace your robot counterpart. Understand AI and related technologies, even if you’re not in tech as having a foundational grasp allows you to work alongside these tools, leveraging them rather than being threatened by them.