As computers get smarter, positions have completely disappeared from the job market. There are no longer switchboard operators, for example, even though this used to be a common job when telephones first became widespread.
Not all jobs are equally threatened by artificial intelligence (AI). A recent analysis from the Brookings Institution found that AI may have a much lesser impact on lower-paid service jobs.
In fact, workers with bachelor’s degrees are more than five times more likely to be threatened by AI than workers with just a high school diploma.
For its analysis, the Brookings Institution looked at scores that indicate how exposed a job is to artificial intelligence applications in the near future, compared to the average job.
So, jobs with AI exposure scores of less than zero are less threatened by AI than the average job, while jobs with scores of more than zero are more threatened than average.
Following is a look at the positions that the institution found have the lowest artificial intelligence exposure scores, making them least vulnerable to AI. Some of these jobs may not surprise you, while others may be a shock.
Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.2
It may not come as a surprise that jobs such as dining room and cafeteria attendants along with bartender helpers are less likely to be eliminated.
These workers — sometimes collectively referred to as bus staff — help waiters, waitresses and bartenders. Their duties can include serving food and beverages, and cleaning and setting tables.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that these positions will increase 14% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than average.
Gaming and sportsbook writers and runners
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.22
The U.S. casino industry is a $261 billion industry. Gaming and sportsbook writers and runners work at gaming establishments such as casinos and racetracks, handling bets on sporting events.
Gaming service workers as a whole enjoy a level of job security and earn a median wage of $10.97 per hour or $22,810 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Demonstrators and product promoters
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.24
If you’ve ever spent a few hours watching the Home Shopping Network, you have seen demonstrators and product promoters at work. They show viewers the latest and greatest product that will change their lives for four low payments of $19.95.
For this work, they earn a median hourly wage of $13.92 — several bucks below the national median hourly wage across all jobs, which is $18.58.
Postal service mail carriers
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.25
Even though many things have gone digital, most people still receive physical mail. Postal service mail carriers deliver all types of physical mail to your mailbox, from holiday cards to business advertisements.
The median wage for this position is $26.54 per hour and $55,210 annually.
Bailiffs
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.26
Bailiffs can be found in courtrooms, where they maintain safety and order. They are law enforcement officers and usually attend a training academy.
If you enjoy keeping everything in line, this may be a good option, with a median annual wage of $44,400 per year.
Health support workers
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.27
Health support workers can be found in a variety of settings, from hospitals to elementary schools. Education and training requirements vary by position and industry. The median wage for the field is $29,740 a year.
The top-paying industry for this occupation is the federal government. The next highest-paid health support workers are in dental offices.
Food preparation workers
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.27
Food preparation workers can be found in hotels, cafeterias, restaurants, schools and more. They learn their duties through on-the-job training that requires no formal experience or education.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects food preparation jobs to grow 8%, which is faster than average for all occupations. Workers in food preparation positions get paid an average of $11.41 per hour.
Public address system and other announcers
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.29
Public Address System (PSA) announcers make announcements at sporting and other public events. They may act as masters of ceremony, or play music at weddings, parties and other events.
The median annual wage for PSA and other announcers is $27,720. The industry with the highest level of employment for this occupation includes independent writers, artists and performers.
Graduate teaching assistants
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.3
Graduate teaching assistants are students who are enrolled in a graduate school program. They work at college and university campuses and typically teach lower-level courses, develop teaching materials, administer exams, and grade exams and papers.
The median annual wage for graduate assistants is $33,700.
Interpreters and translators
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.3
Interpreters and translators, including sign language interpreters, serve as a communication bridge by converting information from one language into another. They work in hospitals, schools, conference centers, courtrooms and other settings. Some work for translation and interpretation companies or for private clients.
To become an interpreter or translator, you will need a bachelor’s degree along with proficiency in at least two languages, one of which is typically English. The median pay for this position is $49,930 per year.
Telemarketers
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.31
If you’ve ever received an unsolicited phone call from someone trying to sell you goods or services, you’ve dealt with a telemarketer. They also solicit donations for organizations or individuals by phone.
The median hourly wage for telemarketers is $12.14. The top-paying industry for telemarketers is computer system design and related services.
Nonfarm animal caretakers
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.31
Nonfarm animal caretakers work in a variety of settings, including animal shelters, zoos and even circuses. Their responsibilities include feeding, grooming, bathing, exercising and providing care for nonfarm animals such as dogs, cats, ornamental birds and zoo animals.
The median annual wage for this occupation is $23,760.
Postal service clerks
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.32
If you’ve ever been in a post office, you have interacted with postal service clerks. They help customers mail letters and parcels. In addition, they sell postage stamps, postal cards, stamped envelopes and money orders.
The median annual wage for postal service clerks is $55,280.
Court reporters
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.33
Court reporters are tasked with creating word-for-word transcriptions at trials, depositions and other legal proceedings. They typically attend a postsecondary certificate program at a community college or technical institute. State licensing may be required, too.
The median pay for court reporters is $57,150 per year.
Judicial law clerks
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.33
Judicial law clerks help judges in court or prepare legal documents. In addition, they can be tasked with conducting research. Top-paying industries for this occupation include state and local governments.
The median annual wage for judicial law clerks is $53,540.
Certain postsecondary teachers
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.21 to -1.37, depending on the subject
Postsecondary teachers instruct students who are attending classes beyond the high school level. This can include both academic and technical subjects. Most postsecondary teachers work in colleges, universities and professional schools.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for this occupation is projected to grow 11%, which is much faster than average. The median pay for postsecondary teachers is $78,470.
Morticians, undertakers and funeral directors
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.37
Morticians, undertakers and funeral directors take care of the bodies of people who have died and help families of the deceased with a variety of tasks, such as making funeral arrangements, coordinating the transportation of the body to a mortuary, and providing transportation for mourners.
The median annual pay for morticians, undertakers and funeral directors is $52,650.
Restaurant cooks
Artificial intelligence exposure score: -1.37
Restaurant cooks prepare and cook dishes in restaurants and may also order supplies, keep records and accounts, and plan menus.
The median annual wage for restaurant cooks is $26,530.
Which job on the list surprised you? Tell us why in a comment below or on the Money Talks News Facebook page.
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