What Careers Will Likely Be Replaced By AI? 20 Jobs to Watch

Key Takeaways

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology are transforming our lives, from how we communicate to how we navigate our daily routines. As AI continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, it inevitably raises questions about its impact on the job market and the future of work.

One of the most common questions is, "Which careers are most vulnerable to AI and automation?" While certain occupations could see significant disruption as AI technologies continue to advance, it is essential to approach this topic with a balanced perspective.

AI holds immense potential to augment human capabilities, create new job opportunities, and revolutionize industries. While potential job losses may arise, opportunities will also occur from integrating AI into various sectors.

So let's explore the careers that AI could potentially replace or transform while offering guidance on how you can learn to thrive in this new era.

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AI Is Replacing Jobs Done By Human Workers

Using AI-powered software and tools allows 15% of all worker tasks in the U.S. to be completed much faster. And AI could augment between 47% and 56% of all job tasks. (1)

If your career falls into a category that future work environments will likely replace, consider upskilling! The crucial role of upskilling can help you adapt to an AI-driven future. As some careers undergo significant transformations, acquiring new skills and embracing lifelong learning will be essential for staying relevant in the job market.

So next, let's check out jobs likely to be replaced by artificial intelligence and see what you can do to adapt to a new career!

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1- Data Entry Clerk

With AI's ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data, the need for manual data entry is diminishing. The potential replacement of data entry clerks by AI is often discussed due to the increasing capabilities of automation and machine learning technologies.

AI systems can be programmed to accurately extract and analyze data from various sources, reducing the need for manual data entry. This has the potential to streamline workflows, minimize human error, and improve overall efficiency in data-related tasks.

According to an analytics magazine in India,

"In one case, a computer programmer with the username Etherable got hired by a company and found the work was very boring and based on data entry. This employee has a work-from-home job and was able to automate the whole workload after about a year.

The person inserts a few mistakes into the output to make it seem more realistic and not algorithm-driven. Even though the individual earns a full-time wage, they can reportedly handle their duties by spending only an hour or two on the job weekly."

Projected job growth for data entry clerks is -4% from 2018-2028. (1)

However, workers in this role may transition to data science analysis or become data management specialists, focusing on interpreting and deriving insights from complex data sets.

While time-consuming and repetitive tasks may phase out, data scientists are in high demand. And learning to analyze data is only a matter of skill investment that will likely pay off.

Check out these courses to work on upskilling into a new and more exciting position:

2- Telemarketer

CBS News states, "Telemarketers topped the list of the 20 most exposed occupations to language modeling AI tools." In fact, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle customer interactions and address queries more efficiently.

Telemarketers can explore opportunities in customer relationship management, sales strategy development, or personalized customer service roles. Human involvement will remain crucial in many roles going into the foreseeable future.

Consider these courses to move into a more stable career path:

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3- Factory Worker

Automation and robotics have already made significant strides in manufacturing, reducing the reliance on manual labor.

Factory workers can shift towards roles in robotics maintenance and programming, quality control, or logistics management. For changing your career in the near future, consider courses that build on your knowledge of factory work, such as:

Grow your career as a mechatronics engineer with ample job opportunities and projected industry growth. Mechatronics engineers are often in high demand, which can lead to higher salaries and job security. Explore diverse career paths in mechatronics - robotics, aerospace, automotive, and more.

4- Cashier

Self-checkout systems and mobile payment solutions are becoming increasingly prevalent, reducing the need for traditional cashiers. According to Design News,

"AiFi, an AI technology company based out of Santa Clara, Calif., has launched a system... that can fully automate stores of any size from pop-ups and kiosks all the way to big-name retail stores. Combining an array of off-the-shelf RGB cameras with the company's own computer vision system... allows stores to track customers and the items they pick up – giving consumers a streamlined, automated shopping experience while also letting stores track inventory and sales analytics."

Human counterparts will always be needed, however. So increase your soft skills (those general talents and skills you've learned over the years by working with others). And use those learned skills to offer the human touch in a similar role.

Cashiers can transition to customer service and sales associate roles or explore opportunities for inventory management and supply chain operations.

5- Driver

Autonomous vehicles are poised to disrupt the transportation industry, potentially replacing human drivers. According to Fox Business, quoting AI expert Kai Fu Lee who has worked for Apple and Google,

"AI will increasingly replace repetitive jobs... Chauffeurs, truck drivers, anyone who does driving for a living — their jobs will be disrupted more in the 15 to 25-year time frame."

Former drivers can explore fleet management and logistics coordination careers or focus on developing and maintaining autonomous vehicle technologies. Consider these courses to up your game and prepare for a future AI programs-powered world.

6- Travel Agent

Online travel platforms and AI algorithms now provide personalized trip planning and booking services. According to Forbes,

"Flight booking sites like Google Flights use predictive tools to estimate if flight prices are more likely to increase or decrease and recommend the best time to buy.

As the technology improves, it’s likely that customers can chat with an AI-powered travel agent and have an in-depth dialogue that can help compare flight, hotel, car rental, and travel experience options."

Eventually, as AI research replaces the everyday life of travel agents, they can pivot to roles in destination marketing and tourism consulting or specialize in niche travel experiences. Real estate may also be a good transition for you. Writing content about travel destinations could help you transition into a new career.

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7- Bank Teller

With the rise of online banking and mobile payment solutions, AI-powered tools are automating traditional bank teller roles.

Look for positions that require the human interaction skills you've likely already mastered. Find jobs in financial advising and relationship management. Consider coaching or helping others with financial endeavors.

Or explore opportunities in digital banking solutions and cybersecurity.

While considering a new career, realize that some skills will never fade. A human being with human emotions possesses social or emotional intelligence that can handle complex situations in ways AI may never come close to.

For example, there will always be interpersonal conflict and a need for those who can help others work together. Job roles such as business or marketing managers, public relations managers, or other job roles requiring a deep understanding of the human brain will never face replacement by AI technology.

Jobs Likely to Be Transformed Using Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT, explored the potential impact of advanced language models and AI-generated content on the U.S. job market.

They found that approximately 80% of the U.S. workforce could witness at least a 10% influence on their work tasks. Furthermore, around 19% of workers may experience a significant impact, with at least 50% of their tasks being affected. (1)

According to CNBC, A study released by MIT researchers in March showed that workers were 37% more efficient using ChatGPT.

And later, CNBC quotes Aidan Gomez, CEO of generative AI startup Cohere, as saying about the MIT study,

“The results are amazing... Industrial Revolution-level large. What the steam engine did for mechanical work, mechanical labor, this technology is going to do for intellectual labor.” 

Many white-collar positions involving human creativity may change. AI could have far-reaching effects on the economy, society, and policy decisions. It is essential to acknowledge and prepare for the potential consequences that these and other technological advancements may bring.

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8- Accountant

While AI can automate specific accounting tasks, accountants can leverage AI tools to enhance their capabilities.

According to a study led by Brigham Young University accounting professor David Wood, Chat GPT "often struggles to understand mathematical processes and often embellishes data to cover up mistakes when they occur." (2)

Accountants may find their focus shifting to financial analysis and strategic consulting or specialize in managing AI-driven accounting systems.

9- Customer Support Representative

AI-powered chatbots can handle routine customer inquiries, allowing support representatives to handle more complex and empathetic interactions.

"AI chat bot is already a reality, now an advanced AI can even handle basic customer inquiries; thus an AI is well positioned to replace Customer Support Representatives." (1)

Customer support professionals can move into roles such as customer success managers, relationship managers, or user experience specialists.

10- Paralegal

AI-powered legal research tools can streamline information gathering and conducting legal analysis.

According to CNBC, Sam Altman share with them,

“What we’re hearing from customers using our API for legal companies is that it is totally transforming the way they work and the efficiency that any one lawyer can achieve and the accuracy, freeing people up to do more of what they do really well, and having this new tool to sort of give them as much leverage as possible."

Paralegals can adapt by focusing on case strategy development and client communication or specialize in areas where human judgment and interpretation are crucial.

11- Radiologist

AI-powered diagnostic tools and algorithms can assist radiologists in interpreting medical images more accurately and efficiently.

“Will AI replace radiologists?” is the wrong question. The right answer is: Radiologists who use AI will replace radiologists who don’t."(1)

Radiologists can evolve their roles to focus on complex cases and patient consultations or specialize in interventional radiology and minimally invasive procedures.

Radiologist sitting on the computer writing his findings
Photo by MART  PRODUCTION from Pexels

12- Librarian

AI-powered search engines and digital libraries have changed the way we access information.

However, "as sixth-grader and frequent library user, Tellar Lawler put it: "You can't have a library without a librarian. Then it's just a room full of books." (1)

The Star Tribune in Minneapolis reports on a school district aiming to "bring licensed librarians back, bucking a national trend of slashing the positions from payrolls during tight budget times. Professional librarians, they say, help students learn everything from technology to how to research."

Librarians can shift their focus to curating digital collections, providing research guidance, or specializing in information management and data organization.

13- Market Research Analysts

AI can automate data collection and analysis in market research. AI's ability to conduct market research allows analysts to focus on interpreting insights and developing strategic recommendations.

According to Greenbook.org, "The bottom line is: change or perish. If you are a traditional agency, it's not too late. A good first step will be to include in your solutions portfolio: social media listening and online communities."

Market research analysts can specialize in consumer behavior analysis, computing and information sciences, competitive intelligence, or strategic planning.

14- Journalist

AI algorithms can generate news stories based on data and predefined templates.

"Mathias Döpfner predicts that AI will soon be able to aggregate information much better than humans, and urges newsrooms to place a greater emphasis on commentary, exclusive news and investigations that can’t be done by machines... In short, the creation of exclusive and attractive content remains irreplaceable and is going to become even more critical to success for publishers... Only those who create the best original content will survive." (1)

Journalists can write news stories that leverage AI tools for data analysis and investigative reporting or specialize in long-form, in-depth journalism that requires critical thinking and human perspective.

Careers Augmented By AI: Upskill for Career Preparedness

15- Retail Salesperson

AI technologies, such as personalized product recommendations and virtual shopping assistants, can enhance the retail shopping experience. 

Retail salespersons can become experts in product knowledge and customer relationship building or transition to visual merchandising and store management roles.

16- Stock Trader

AI algorithms and machine learning models are increasingly used in algorithmic trading and investment decision-making. 

Stock traders can adapt by leveraging AI tools for market analysis and risk management or transition to portfolio management and financial consulting roles.

17- Human Resources Administrator

AI can streamline administrative HR tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews. HR administrators can focus on strategic talent acquisition and employee development or specialize in HR analytics and workforce planning.

18- Customer Service Representative

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle routine customer inquiries, freeing up customer service representatives to focus on complex issues and building strong customer relationships. 

Customer service professionals can specialize in customer success management and complaint resolution or become experts in specific product/service domains.

19- Mortgage Underwriter

AI-powered algorithms can streamline mortgage underwriting, analyzing borrower data more efficiently. 

Mortgage underwriters can focus on risk assessment and complex loan applications or specialize in niche markets and personalized mortgage solutions.

20- Translator

AI-powered language translation tools can assist human translators in improving efficiency and accuracy. 

Translators can specialize in niche languages and cultural adaptation or focus on areas where human context and interpretation are crucial, such as legal or literary translation.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

AI Tools: Bottom Line Factors

By staying ahead of the curve and capitalizing on the strengths of AI, individuals can redefine their career paths and contribute to a future where humans and machines collaborate synergistically.

As the job landscape evolves due to artificial intelligence, it is crucial to:

  • Embrace lifelong learning by pursuing interests and passions in and outside of your current field
  • Adapt your skills through educational opportunities
  • Seize new opportunities that emerge in transforming industries

In this era of AI-driven transformation, professionals across various industries must proactively adapt their skills, embrace technology, and seek new avenues to add value.

Download Checklist " 10 Simple Steps to Smooth Job Change"

How Unmudl Can Help You Successfully Navigate AI's Impact

At Unmudl, we ensure that every learner can acquire the necessary skills to embark on a successful career through the shortest, most flexible, and most affordable path possible. Our mission is to empower learners (especially worker learners) by offering skill paths that lead to the best employment opportunities.

We know that human beings will always be relevant, so we are dedicated to reducing the time, cost, and uncertainty associated with your skill development. Check out our online course offerings and learn how to ensure your position stays relevant in a world increasingly relying on artificial intelligence.

And if you have questions, or need some guidance, give us a call at +1 512-669-5624 or drop us an email and find the answers you need in our brave new world!

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Last updated on:
November 7, 2024

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