My MBA Career: Jobs at the Highest Risk in the AI Revolution

Last Updated on July 30, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is projected to play a substantial role in the US economy by 2030, as highlighted in a recent report released by McKinsey Global Institute. The report predicts that AI could account for nearly 30% of the total hours worked in the country within the next decade.

While the integration of AI is expected to bring significant enhancements to jobs in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), creative, legal, and business professions, its impact on certain job categories, such as office support, customer service, and food service employment, is likely to be more pronounced.

The report estimates that approximately 12 million occupational transitions may be required in the US by 2030. The healthcare industry is anticipated to witness the largest job gains, with the potential demand for an additional 3.5 million jobs in fields such as health aides, health technicians, and wellness workers.

Furthermore, there is expected to be a notable 23% increase in the demand for STEM jobs over the next decade. Sectors such as banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and transportation services are currently undergoing digital transformations, which will necessitate a skilled workforce in advanced technology.

Conversely, jobs in office support, customer service, and food services are likely to encounter significant job losses. Occupations that involve repetitive tasks, data collection, and elementary data processing will be most impacted by automation.

The transition to AI-driven automation may disproportionally affect low-wage workers, with the report highlighting that they are up to 10 to 14 times more likely to switch occupations by 2030 compared to high-income earners. Successful transitions will require additional skill development.

In terms of demographics, women are expected to be 1.5 times more likely than men to need to transition into new occupations due to the adoption of AI and automation.

The report concludes that the complete elimination of jobs through generative AI remains uncertain. However, it cautions about potential job losses in the short term. Occupations in business, legal professions, management, healthcare, transportation, and STEM are projected to be more resilient and experience fewer shifts by 2030. Conversely, jobs in food services, customer service, sales, office support, and production are likely to undergo the most significant upheavals.

As AI continues to advance, it is essential for individuals and industries to adapt and embrace new skillsets to thrive in the evolving job market.