High Exposure to AI: Exploring Careers in the Age of Automation

Last Updated on August 5, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: AI’s Growing Influence: Report Highlights Impact on US Workforce

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, concerns about its impact on the US job market are growing. According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, approximately one-fifth of American workers have jobs that are more likely to be aided or replaced by AI.

The study reveals that jobs requiring analytical skills, such as critical thinking, writing, science, and math, are the most susceptible to being affected by AI. Budget analysts, data entry keyers, tax preparers, technical writers, and web developers are among the roles with high exposure to AI.

Interestingly, workers in industries more exposed to AI tend to have a positive outlook on the technology, believing it will improve rather than harm their jobs. However, the exact number of jobs at risk due to AI remains uncertain, although some findings suggest that technology is already leading to job losses.

Research also indicates that certain characteristics increase an individual’s exposure to AI. Women, Asian Americans, college-educated individuals, and higher-paid workers are more likely to hold jobs that are vulnerable to AI. Moreover, workers with a bachelor’s degree are more likely than those with a high school diploma to have jobs with high exposure to AI.

The report unveils a stark wage disparity between workers whose jobs are highly exposed to AI and those with low exposure. On average, employees in highly vulnerable roles earn around $33 per hour, while individuals in less exposed jobs make $20 per hour.

Surprisingly, despite the potential risks, many workers with jobs significantly exposed to AI maintain an optimistic perspective about its impact. A higher percentage of these workers believe that AI will help rather than hurt them.

The study also sheds light on the current usage of AI, observing that it is, for the most part, proving to be useful rather than harmful. Businesses are finding ways to integrate AI in a manner that benefits workers rather than replacing them.

Overall, public sentiment regarding AI remains divided. The Pew Research Center’s report found that 16% of US adults believe AI will help more than hurt, 15% believe the opposite, 30% think AI will cause equal measures of help and harm, while 32% remain unsure about its impact.

As AI continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly clear that its influence on the workforce cannot be ignored. The report calls for further exploration into the potential consequences of AI adoption to ensure a smooth transition that supports both workers and businesses.