“You’re not going to lose your job to an AI, but to someone who uses AI.”
A new report by Microsoft has spotlighted 40 jobs most vulnerable to disruption by generative AI, sparking concerns across professional sectors. The study ranks roles with the highest “AI applicability”—indicating how closely job tasks align with AI capabilities.
Topping the list are translators, historians, sales representatives, and writers. “Our research shows that AI supports many tasks, particularly those involving research, writing, and communication,” said Kiran Tomlinson, a senior Microsoft researcher. However, he added, “It does not indicate it can fully perform any single occupation.”
Customer service, journalism, and education are also flagged. Some employers, like Amazon and IBM, are already pausing hiring or cutting roles as AI-driven productivity increases. The findings show that even jobs requiring a four-year degree are not immune.
Meanwhile, manual roles such as dredge operators and bridge tenders show minimal AI exposure. Still, Nvidia’s CEO warns: “You’re not going to lose your job to an AI, but to someone who uses AI.”
TOP 40 JOBS MOST AFFECTED BY GENERATIVE AI
1. Interpreters and Translators
2. Historians
3. Passenger Attendants
4. Sales Representatives of Services
5. Writers and Authors
6. Customer Service Representatives
7. CNC Tool Programmers
8. Telephone Operators
9. Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
10. Broadcast Announcers and Radio DJs
11. Brokerage Clerks
12. Farm and Home Management Educators
13. Telemarketers
14. Concierges
15. Political Scientists
16. News Analysts, Reporters, Journalists
17. Mathematicians
18. Technical Writers
19. Proofreaders and Copy Markers
20. Hosts and Hostesses
21. Editors
22. Business Teachers, Postsecondary
23. Public Relations Specialists
24. Demonstrators and Product Promoters
25. Advertising Sales Agents
26. New Accounts Clerks
27. Statistical Assistants
28. Counter and Rental Clerks
29. Data Scientists
30. Personal Financial Advisors
31. Archivists
32. Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
33. Web Developers
34. Management Analysts
35. Geographers
36. Models
37. Market Research Analysts
38. Public Safety Telecommunicators
39. Switchboard Operators
40. Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary