Jobs Are At Risk Due to AI

Introduction

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and workplaces, automating repetitive tasks and enhancing efficiency. While AI creates new opportunities, it also poses a threat to specific jobs, particularly those involving routine or predictable tasks.

Depending on the advancement of AI, some of the occupations listed below may not be under threat in 2025. Still, they will undoubtedly be totally under threat later in the decade.

Whilst AI is a threat to specific categories of roles, it is also an opportunity to make current roles easier. The current areas where AI can be a great help are also included.

Below is a list of jobs and sectors most at risk because of AI-driven automation

Administrative and Clerical Jobs

Why at risk? Routine, repetitive tasks are easy for AI to automate. AI can handle scheduling, data processing and basic bookkeeping tasks with greater accuracy and speed than humans. Job types at risk are as follows:

Data Entry Clerks: AI can process and input data faster and more accurately.
Receptionists: Chatbots and automated scheduling systems reduce the need for human receptionists.
Bookkeepers and Accountants (only for routine tasks): AI can record financial transactions and prepare invoices and payroll.
Administrative Assistants: Task management software automates scheduling, email filtering and document preparation.

Human Resources (HR)

Why at risk? AI can screen candidates, match skills to job requirements, and automate payroll processing. Job types at risk are as follows:

Recruiters (for screening CVs and resumés): AI can screen candidates and select those most likely to interview.
Payroll Administrators: AI can examine timesheets and generate payroll for all staff.
HR Managers and Staff: AI can generate notices and documents for company staff.

Manufacturing and Warehousing

Why at risk? Robotics and AI systems excel at physical tasks requiring consistency and precision. Job types at risk are as follows:

Assembly Line Workers: Robots equipped with machine vision and AI can handle repetitive tasks, such as assembling parts.
Forklift and Machine Operators: Autonomous vehicles and AI-powered forklifts are increasingly replacing human operators.
Quality Inspectors: AI can identify defects using machine vision far more accurately than humans.

Retail and Customer Services

Why at risk? E-commerce platforms and conversational AI systems are disrupting traditional roles. Job types at risk are as follows:

Cashiers: Self-checkout kiosks and AI payment systems reduce the need for human cashiers.
Telemarketers and Retail Sales Associates: Personalised online shopping recommendations decrease the need for in-store shopping.
Customer Support Agents: AI chatbots and virtual assistants can resolve many customer queries without human intervention.
Market Research Analysts (for routine analysis): Predictive analytics tools can analyse trends and recommend products and services.

Transportation and Logistics

Why at risk? Autonomous driving technologies are advancing rapidly. Job types at risk as follows:

Taxi and Truck Drivers: Self-driving vehicles threaten transportation jobs.
Delivery Drivers: Drone deliveries and autonomous vehicles could reduce the need for human delivery personnel.
Logistics Coordinators: AI systems optimise routes and manage supply chains more efficiently.

Financial Services, Stock Traders and Analysts

Why at risk? AI can process large volumes of data quickly and make decisions based on patterns. Job types at risk are as follows:

Bank Tellers: Online banking and ATM advancements have reduced the need for in-person transactions.
Loan Officers: AI models can evaluate credit risk and approve loans without human input.
Financial and Investment Analysts: Predictive analytics tools can analyse trends and recommend investments.
Stocks and Shares Traders: AI models can evaluate the market and make appropriate buy and sell decisions.

Healthcare (Non-Specialised Roles)

Why at risk? AI can perform routine diagnostics and administrative tasks with precision. Job types at risk are as follows:

Medical Transcriptionists and Coders: AI can assign medical codes for billing faster than humans.
Radiology Technicians: AI can analyse X-rays and MRIs to identify anomalies with high accuracy.
Pharmacy Technicians: Robotic dispensing systems are increasingly used in pharmacies.

Media and Content Creation

Why at risk? Generative AI tools can create text, images, audio and video content efficiently. Job types at risk are as follows:

Creative Writers (not for imaginative storytelling): AI can easily generate content on any topic using tools like ChatGPT.
Journalists: AI tools like GPT can generate articles and reports, but they cannot visit people or sites to gather information.
Graphic Designers: AI design tools can create graphics, logos and layouts.
Video Editors: Automated editing software can process raw footage into polished videos.

Legal and Paralegal Services

Why at risk? AI excels at document review and pattern recognition. Job types at risk are as follows:

Paralegals: Document review and legal research tasks can be automated by AI.
Legal Assistants and Researchers: AI tools streamline case management and administrative tasks.
Contract Reviewers: AI can analyse contracts for discrepancies and legal risks.

Agriculture and Farming

Why at risk? Robotics and AI optimise farming processes. Job types at risk are as follows:

Farm Labourers and Crop Pickers: Automated harvesters and AI-powered machines reduce manual labour.
Crop Inspectors: Drones and AI systems assess crop health and yield potential.
Livestock Handlers: AI can monitor animal health and behaviour.

Education

Why at risk? AI-enabled learning platforms and virtual tutors are gaining traction. Job types at risk are as follows:

Teaching assistants (for basic tasks) and Tutors: Adaptive learning platforms can provide personalised education.
Language Instructors: AI-powered translation and language learning apps reduce the need for human teachers.
Test Graders: Automated grading systems efficiently handle assessments.
Online Course Moderators: AI-enabled learning platforms can produce course content and answer student queries.

Creative Arts

Why at risk? Generative AI tools challenge human originality. Job types at risk are as follows:

Musicians: AI can compose music tailored to specific styles and preferences, and can play any music by any composer.
Writers (not for imaginative writing): AI can write books, reports, blogs, manuals, scripts and marketing copy.
Artists (not for imaginative art): AI can generate paintings, illustrations and digital art.

Technical Services

Why at risk? Reasoning AI tools can write code and produce spreadsheets, presentations, databases and project plans. Job types at risk are as follows:

Programmers: AI can produce code tailored to specific requirements and languages.
Technical Authors: AI can produce technical documentation, including photos and illustrations.
CAD Operators and Engineering Drawers: AI can design and produce technical drawings.
Translators: AI can translate written text or spoken speech into many languages, including in real time.
Designers: AI can design items and produce blueprints and plans.

How AI Can Help in Current Roles

Whilst AI is a threat to specific categories of roles, it is also an opportunity to make current roles easier. As a word of warning, if you use AI in your current work, the output will most likely need checking and editing. Proofreading is not included in the lists above, as currently, AI output will at least need formatting, if not editing. AI originally generated small parts of this book, and the output required extensive formatting and editing. Eventually, the role of proofreaders will be under threat as AI improves. The areas where AI can help in current roles are as follows:

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Understanding Queries: NLP enables the interpretation of diverse user inputs, even when phrased in non-standard ways or containing errors.
Generating Responses: AI can generate contextually relevant and coherent responses tailored to the user's needs.
Language Translation: AI can understand and respond in multiple languages, bridging communication gaps.

Context Management

Memory and Context Awareness: AI can maintain context during conversations, ensuring continuity and relevance in ongoing discussions.
Personalisation: AI can adapt responses based on prior interactions or saved preferences, making the experience more tailored.

Knowledge Integration

Dynamic Learning: AI can access and summarise up-to-date information by integrating with tools or performing real-time web searches.
Complex Problem Solving: AI can analyse and combine information from various domains to address multifaceted questions.

Creativity and Content Generation

Writing Assistance: AI algorithms can craft text ranging from short summaries to in-depth documents or creative content.
Idea Generation: AI helps brainstorm ideas or explore alternatives to meet specific requirements.

Task Automation

Data Handling: AI automates tasks like extracting, organising and summarising information from large datasets.
Repetitive Processes: AI can streamline workflows, such as creating schedules, drafting emails, or generating reports.

Customisation for Users

Adapting Tone and Style: AI can adjust communication style, whether formal, casual or technical, based on user preferences.
Domain-Specific Support: AI can tailor responses to suit fields such as healthcare, law, or education, leveraging specialised knowledge.

Learning and Improvement

Feedback Analysis: AI can model and analyse user feedback to improve accuracy and user satisfaction.
Behaviour Refinement: AI can learn from interactions, refining responses and becoming more efficient over time.

Collaboration with Other Tools

Tool Integration: AI can work seamlessly with other AI systems or platforms to assist with complex tasks, like data visualisation or software development.
API Utilisation: AI can help interface with external applications to retrieve or update information.

Conclusion

AI is both a current threat to specific roles and also the foundation and enabler of many jobs, and can assist users more effectively, ensuring higher performance and adaptation to needs.