20 Jobs That Are Most Likely To See an AI Shakeup

Some folks view the advance of artificial intelligence as exciting, while others see it as terrifying.

Wherever you land on that spectrum, it is likely that AI soon will change the world, including how we perform our jobs.

Recently, Pew Research used its own judgment to divide jobs into exposure-level categories based on how likely it is that common activities in those fields will involve AI.

Pew says most Americans work in jobs that do not have high exposure to AI. However, some groups may find that AI dramatically impacts their careers.

This is particularly true for:

• Educated workers
• Women
• Whites and Asians
• Higher-wage workers

At this point, it is unclear whether such exposure to AI will lead to job losses, or will merely serve to complement what workers do, Pew says. But last year, 19% of American workers were in jobs that were particularly exposed to AI, meaning the most important activities in those fields “may be either replaced or assisted by AI,” according to Pew.

Here are the jobs Pew says are most likely to have high exposure to AI.

Architectural and civil drafters

Average annual wage for this job: $61,660 as of 2022

Architectural and civil drafters create drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings. They also prepare topographical relief maps for the construction of highways, bridges and public works.

Billing and posting clerks

Average annual wage for this job: $44,800 as of 2022

These clerks focus on billing, accounting, statistical and other numerical data that is used for billing purposes and compile, compute and record it. They also prepare billing invoices.

Biological technicians

Average annual wage for this job: $53,560 as of 2022

Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists in their work. They may be responsible for laboratory instruments and equipment and may analyze substances.

Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks

Average annual wage for this job: $47,440 as of 2022

These clerks are responsible for making sure financial records are complete. They may be involved in calculations and checking their accuracy.

Commercial and industrial designers

Average annual wage for this job: $81,740 as of 2022

Commercial and industrial designers help develop manufactured products from cars to toys. Their job is to create functional and appealing products.

Computer hardware engineers

Average annual wage for this job: $140,830 as of 2022

Computer hardware engineers design and develop computer or computer-related equipment. They serve the commercial, industrial, military and scientific communities.

Court reporters and simultaneous captioners

Average annual wage for this job: $70,290 as of 2022

These professionals capture and transcribe trial proceedings or other information. This field includes stenocaptioners, who provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts.

Credit analysts

Average annual wage for this job: $92,180 as of 2022

Credit analysts examine credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms. Then, they prepare reports based on what they learn, and firms use the information to make key decisions.

Data entry keyers

Average annual wage for this job: $37,970 as of 2022

Data entry keyers use devices to verify data and ready materials for printing. This category does not include word processors and typists.

Judicial law clerks

Average annual wage for this job: $66,310 as of 2022

Judicial law clerks help judges conduct research and prepare legal documents. Lawyers, paralegals and legal assistants are not part of this category.

Loan interviewers and clerks

Average annual wage for this job: $46,740 as of 2022

Loan interviewers and clerks sit with loan applicants and gather information that is crucial in the loan approval process. The work they compile then goes to the appraisal department.

Medical transcriptionists

Average annual wage for this job: $37,090 as of 2022

Medical transcriptionists transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other health care workers. They edit where necessary before submitting the reports for review and signature.

Other drafters

Average annual wage for this job: $60,370 as of 2022

This category includes all types of drafters who do not get their own separate Bureau of Labor Statistics category. It includes work done for projects related to metal product manufacturing, boat building, electric power generation and other miscellaneous fields.

Paralegals and legal assistants

Average annual wage for this job: $62,840 as of 2022

Paralegals and legal assistants help lawyers gather facts and prepare legal documents. Their work helps support the legal system, from formulating a defense to initiating legal action.

Payroll and timekeeping clerks

Average annual wage for this job: $52,300 as of 2022

Payroll and timekeeping clerks record and maintain payroll data. This might include computing the time workers have logged on the job and preparing paychecks.

Production, planning and expediting clerks

Average annual wage for this job: $55,080 as of 2022

These clerks oversee workflow and materials either within or between departments of a business. They also review production, work and shipment schedules.

Proofreaders and copy markers

Average annual wage for this job: $48,770 as of 2022

Proofreaders look for grammatical, typographical or compositional errors in copy and correct them. This category also includes proofreaders of braille.

Switchboard operators, including answering service

Average annual wage for this job: $37,230 as of 2022

Switchboard operators relay incoming, outgoing and interoffice calls. They also take messages and offer information to callers.

Tax preparers

Average annual wage for this job: $55,840 as of 2022

Tax preparers help both individuals and businesses with their taxes. Accountants and auditors are not part of this category.

Title examiners, abstractors and searchers

Average annual wage for this job: $57,030 as of 2022

These professionals gather information after looking through real estate records and titles, as well as legal or insurance documents. The category excludes loan officers.