Think AI is taking every job? Microsoft study says these 40 professions are safe

Microsoft Research has conducted a new study that identified the professions most likely to be influenced by artificial intelligence (AI), as well as those expected to remain mostly unaffected. Focusing on more than 200,000 user interactions with Microsoft Bing Copilot, the research emphasizes the potential impact of generative AI on various job roles in the years ahead.

In the study “Working with AI: Measuring the Occupational Implications of Generative AI,” 40 occupations with the greatest potential for AI participation are categorized. These positions mostly include repetitive information-related duties, language, content development, and communication. However, the report also identifies 40 occupations that are anticipated to endure because they are manual, physical, or require real-time work.

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Microsoft Study: Jobs least affected by AI

The report also lists 40 professions that are least likely to be impacted by AI.  Those jobs primarily require manual labor, on-site presence, or real-time decision-making. The following are on the list:

1. Phlebotomists
2. Nursing Assistants
3. Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
4. Helpers – Painters, Plasterers
5. Embalmers
6. Plant and System Operators
7. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
8. Automotive Glass Installers
9. Ship Engineers
10. Tire Repairers
11. Prosthodontists
12. Helpers – Production Workers
13. Highway Maintenance Workers
14. Medical Equipment Preparers
15. Packaging and Filling Machine Operators
16. Machine Feeders
17. Dishwashers
18. Cement Masons
19. Firefighting Supervisors
20. Industrial Truck Operators
21. Ophthalmic Technicians
22. Massage Therapists
23. Surgical Assistants
24. Tire Builders
25. Helpers – Roofers
26. Gas Pumping Station Operators
27. Roofers
28. Roustabouts – Oil and Gas
29. Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
30. Paving Equipment Operators
31. Logging Equipment Operators
32. Motorboat Operators
33. Orderlies
34. Floor Sanders
35. Pile Driver Operators
36. Rail-Track Laying Equipment Operators
37. Foundry Mold Makers
38. Water Treatment Operators
39. Bridge and Lock Tenders
40. Dredge Operators

These roles involve duties that are beyond the capabilities of existing AI technology because of complicated processes or physical limitations.