What Jobs Are Most at Risk From Generative AI Automation [Charts]

Generative AI will influence many jobs over the next decade, though some are more prone to automation than others, according to analyst firm Forrester’s new study. The 2023 Generative AI Jobs Impact Forecast found that technical writers, proofreaders, and social science research assistants will face both heavy generative AI influence and likely end up automated. Influence refers to existing workers incorporating new generative AI tools into their workflows, requiring reskilling and adaptation. On the other hand, computer programmers, editors, and authors are likely to see their careers mutate due to generative AI without leading to automation.

AI Influence

The jobs dealing with the greatest influence and risk of replacement by generative AI over the next few years seem logical. They all involve producing or improving written content that is likely similar to existing texts that can be employed for training an AI. That said, more complex or creative texts, while similarly apt to evolve as generative AI becomes more popular, aren’t as easily automated without issues. They may involve adapting to AI-powered assistants, but not outright replacement. The forecast notes that the higher a worker’s education level, the more influence generative AI will have on their occupation. Jobs requiring bachelor’s degrees or higher will be most disrupted, while roles in transportation, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing will see less change. The same goes for income, with workers earning under $60,000 annually less likely to be affected compared to those making over $90,000.

On the positive side, predictions of dire job losses imposed by generative AI may be exaggerated. The report estimates that 4.5 times more jobs will be “influenced” by generative AI compared to those replaced, as seen in the chart above. That’s especially the case in the near term as questions around intellectual property, copyright law, plagiarism, and the limitations of the technology are addressed. So, while generative AI will lead to job losses in some occupations over the next decade, the emerging technology will influence and reshape even more roles. Overall, automation and AI are expected to replace 4.9% of US jobs by 2030. Generative AI specifically will account for 30% of job losses, equal to 2.4 million positions. In 2023 alone, 90,000 jobs are projected to be replaced by ChatGPT and similar generative AI writing tools, representing 9.3% of all automation and AI-related cuts this year.

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