40 Professions That May Disappear Due to AI: Shocking Insights for the Future of Work

Professions that may disappear due to AI are increasingly becoming a reality. Discover which jobs are most at risk and how AI is reshaping the workforce.

Introduction

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, its impact on various industries is becoming increasingly apparent. From customer service to education, AI technologies are facilitating numerous tasks across a wide range of professions. But how significantly will AI alter the modern workplace? A recent study sheds light on this pressing question.

Researchers at Microsoft identified 40 professions that may disappear due to AI, analyzing 200,000 anonymized conversations between users and the AI assistant, Microsoft Copilot, over a nine-month period in 2024. This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the jobs most and least affected by generative AI.

Understanding AI’s Impact on Professions

The study’s methodology involved evaluating the “degree of AI application,” which considers several indicators, including task completion rates, the frequency of AI usage, and user feedback, as reported by Newsweek. Kieran Tomlinson, a senior researcher at Microsoft and the study’s lead author, explained that the research explores how AI can reshape professions by examining its practical applications. He noted, “Our study provides a measure of how AI capabilities overlap with work tasks, highlighting areas where AI may change how work is accomplished without necessarily replacing jobs entirely.”

This study emerges amid growing concerns about automation’s impact on the labor market, a topic discussed at the AI Impact 2025 Summit organized by Newsweek, where leaders from technology, politics, and labor sectors convened to explore how to adapt to this rapid transformation.

The Professions Most Affected by AI

According to the findings, the professions most susceptible to the influence of generative AI include:

1. Interpreters and Translators
2. Historians
3. Writers and Authors
4. Sales Representatives
5. Customer Service Representatives
6. Technical Writers
7. Editors
8. Public Relations Specialists
9. Mathematicians
10. Data Scientists

The study indicates that jobs involving repetitive tasks—such as writing, retrieving information, editing, and customer communication—are the most likely to benefit from AI capabilities.

Among the top 40 most impacted roles are:

• Customer Service Representatives
• Technical Writers
• Editors
• Public Relations Specialists
• Mathematicians
• Data Scientists
• Roles in media and communication, including news analysts and journalists.

Professions Less Affected by AI

Conversely, the study found that jobs requiring significant physical effort or extensive equipment usage are the least impacted by AI. Positions at the bottom of the list include:

• Excavator Operators
• Bridge and Lock Workers
• Water Treatment Plant Operators

These roles received low or zero scores on the AI application scale. Other professions that are less affected include:

• Railway Maintenance Workers
• Roofers
• Massage Therapists

Additionally, several healthcare jobs requiring direct personal interaction, such as phlebotomists, nursing assistants, and medical equipment preparers, also ranked low on the AI impact scale.

The Complete List of 40 Professions Most Affected by Generative AI

According to the study published by Newsweek, here are the 40 professions most at risk due to the rise of AI:

1. Interpreters and Translators
2. Historians
3. Writers and Authors
4. Sales Representatives
5. Customer Service Representatives
6. Technical Writers
7. Editors
8. Public Relations Specialists
9. Mathematicians
10. Data Scientists
11. News Analysts
12. Journalists
13. Communications Consultants
14. Content Editors
15. Screenwriters
16. Content Reviewers
17. Video Editors (related to writing and editing tasks)
18. Sales Support Staff
19. Event Coordinators (office and organizational tasks)
20. Marketing Assistants
21. Copywriters
22. Data Analysts (writing and reporting aspects)
23. Project Organizers (administrative and coordination tasks)
24. Report Writers
25. Research Analysts
26. Auditors (data analysis and reporting tasks)
27. Customer Service Representatives (phone-based)
28. Data Entry Clerks
29. Quality Assurance Analysts (in content-driven businesses)
30. Financial Consultants (writing and analytical tasks)
31. Corporate Trainers (office training tasks)
32. Sales Analysts
33. Digital Marketing Managers
34. Technical Report Writers
35. Document Engineers
36. Digital Content Specialists
37. Social Media Contributors
38. Market Analysts
39. Business Consultants (analytical and writing tasks)
40. Business Planning Experts

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the profound effect AI is having on the job market, particularly in roles characterized by repetitive tasks. While some professions may be at risk of disappearing, it is essential to recognize that AI can also enhance productivity and efficiency in many fields.

As we move forward, understanding how to adapt to these changes will be crucial for professionals across all industries. By staying informed and developing new skills, workers can position themselves to thrive in an increasingly automated world.

For further insights into the evolving landscape of work and technology, consider exploring resources from Statista, Pew Research, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.