10 Jobs Most Likely To Be Replaced by AI 2025
Artificial intelligence tools are quickly becoming more advanced, meaning that careers in customer service, data analysis, transportation, and others may be replaced.
New technological advancements can be exciting, but they can also bring fears. Artificial intelligence systems are only getting more complex, better able to follow established rules and complete tedious tasks in seconds. While there are many helpful ways to incorporate AI into your workflow, there is also the risk of AI replacing jobs.
Jobs and careers that involve repeated tasks, analyzing information, or generating ideas are some of the most likely to be replaced by AI, and these range from white-collar to entry-level positions. If you are looking to make a career decision and don't want to compete with AI, then take a look at our list of the most likely jobs AI will replace.
Jobs Artificial Intelligence (AI) Can Replace
As automation continues to improve, some jobs with repetitive, impersonal tasks can easily be replaced by machines. Experts say white-collar jobs are more likely to be impacted, but jobs at all levels can be affected by emerging AI technologies.
1. Customer Service
Chances are, many of us have already encountered AI in a customer service role. AI chatbots on websites and virtual assistants over the phone can answer many customer questions or direct them to the right answer, without any need for human interaction. Additionally, these robotic tools can work around the clock; there's no need to have a human working the night shift if a chatbot can take care of any user inquiries.
Customer service representatives need complex problem-solving skills and empathy that is difficult for AI to replicate. Until that changes, while lower-level jobs can easily be replaced, there will always be a need for humans in some level of customer service.
2. Data Analysis
Those in analytical positions are also at risk of AI replacing jobs. Data entry clerks and financial analysts, for example, work slower at gathering information and generating reports than most AI systems, making it more financially beneficial to automate those tasks. Algorithms can gather data without inconsistencies or gaps and identify trends that a human analyst could easily miss.
Additionally, data analysis rarely involves a lot of human interaction, aside from presenting the report. Without much need for empathy or decision-making, data is perhaps one of the easiest jobs AI will replace.
3. Transportation
The rise of autonomous vehicles means that even transportation careers can be replaced by AI. On one hand, this could be a boon for customers using ride-share apps; for some, a driverless car could feel safer than getting in the car with a stranger. But as fully-automated cars become safer, more advanced, and more prevalent, it means that many driving jobs will disappear.
Truck drivers are also at risk of their roles changing or disappearing due to AI. Companies can integrate tools to keep truck drivers safer, plan better routes, and predict maintenance needs. But it will mean new workflows for drivers and new tools to learn in order to stay ahead of the curve.
4. Writing and Journalism
Generative AI has put many writing and journalism jobs in the crosshairs. Content creators are at risk with the rise of AI tools that can write articles, blogs, or entire books in seconds. These pieces usually lack the human touch that helps them connect with readers and the human creativity that makes them engaging. But from a financial standpoint, it is cheaper and more efficient to use AI.
Editing roles could also be replaced. Systems can detect grammatical errors, fact-check, and measure the readability of a piece quicker than any human editor. Arguably, machines will never be able to replicate the emotional intelligence needed to create a true work of art; however, many writing jobs could be at risk.
5. Marketing
Similarly to writing, marketing jobs are also threatened by AI. Generative tools can write pitches and blog posts, manage social media accounts, and keep on top of trends better than a human marketer. AI tools are also invaluable when it comes to generating SEO keywords and optimizing content.
AI has been used in many ways in the marketing world for years, but it now has the capabilities to replace some jobs within that market. Marketing involves many of the same duties listed above: writing, data analysis, and customer support. Automating these tasks and allowing machine learning to improve your brand's image is a positive for companies, but a downside to those looking to enter the marketing field.
6. Manufacturing
As long as they've been around, robotics have been seen as a threat to manufacturing jobs. But as automated tools have become more precise and reliable, they have become much more likely to replace jobs doing repetitive tasks, like those on an assembly line. Many packing jobs follow a repetitive structure and do not require high levels of critical thinking, making them an easy target for AI.
While the rise of robotics in manufacturing could lead to a greater need for engineers or other related positions, it also likely means job losses in the manufacturing world.
7. Retail
Most of us see AI replacing retail jobs every time we go to the grocery store in the form of self-checkout counters. These tools have been around for a few years, but early systems were hardly user friendly. As these tools become more efficient and easier to use, then customers will become more comfortable using them and will be less likely to opt for a human cashier.
Amazon has launched several completely automated grocery stores called Amazon Go. In the near future, many more stores could follow a similar model, where shoppers use automation to streamline their entire experience. However, it does mean fewer opportunities in retail jobs.
8. Translation
Translation jobs require workers to be fluent in multiple languages, a difficult skill for many hiring managers to find. AI tools like large language models (LLMs) may soon be filling these positions instead. However, while translation tools are nothing new, it's difficult for a machine to pick up on things like colloquialism, tone, or how best to evoke ideas in the original language, especially if there is not a direct word-for-word translation.
As AI tools become more advanced and are better trained on translation, they will become a much more efficient and cheaper option. For the time being, humans are still necessary to fine-tune AI translations. But as these tools evolve, so too will the industry.
9. Coding
One of the jobs AI will replace in the future is likely coding. Not only can generative AI like openAI write code, it can also do advanced debugging and provide personalized coding assistance. This can be helpful as programmers can use the machines to assist with monotonous tasks, freeing them up to focus on more complex or creative tasks.
Currently, these tools are still in development, so they need skilled programmers to check the code and ensure accuracy. Prospective coders would benefit from learning how to use these tools now and integrate them into their workflow.
10. Graphic Design
Entry-level graphic design jobs are at risk of falling to automation, with generative AI able to create basic webpages, graphics, logos and more at the click of a button. While human capabilities for creativity will still make the best graphics stand out, for many lower-level projects, it is quick, easy, and cheap to simply automate the process.
As with most other jobs, there are ways designers can use AI to improve their work, and many would benefit from upskilling to stay ahead of the curve. AI can be used for idea generation or to give designers a place to start beyond just a blank page. While entry level positions may soon be at risk, AI may also become a valuable tool for senior graphic designers.
Can AI Replace Careers in All Job Markets?
AI is useful in many ways and is already impacting careers from truck driving to data analysis. However, AI cannot replace jobs in all job markets. Jobs that require advanced critical thinking, are highly interactive, or require physical activity are all AI-proof careers.
If you are concerned about starting a career only to have it replaced by AI, then take a look at a few AI proof degrees. Roles like teaching, healthcare, or emergency response are all safe from AI. And even for jobs that will be impacted by AI, focus on upskilling or reskilling; learn how to effectively integrate AI systems into your workflow, or research classes and certificates that can give you a professional edge over the machines.
Common AI Tools Used by Human Workers
AI tools are not harmful; many of them can be used to make your workflow streamlined and your job easier. Tools like ChatGPT can help marketers, teachers, writers, and social media managers generate ideas, write quizzes, snappy headlines, and more to better engage with their audience. And while AI is a threat to some data analysis roles, it can be used to collect more accurate data.
AI is part of the future of work and can be used in all types of jobs to increase productivity. It's important to be aware of how the growth of AI can impact your job, and to learn what tools you can use to grow your skills and career opportunities. Remember, AI tools are just that: tools.
Is There Potential for AI To Create New Jobs?
As AI continues to grow and integrate into our jobs and careers, there are also exciting new opportunities that will arise. You can work on the front end developing new AI systems, or focus on UX as a human-computer interaction specialist.
As AI integrates in fields like healthcare and law, there will be a strong need for AI ethics experts. An AI-implementation specialist can work with providers to find the best ways to integrate tools into their workflow to make things more efficient. These roles will likely require training in specific skills, but can open up exciting new career paths.
Liability and Impact of AI Replacing Jobs With Automation
AI has a lot of exciting capabilities, but with that comes the potential for liability. Replacing entry-level jobs with automation can be a hit to those just starting a career or already struggling to find work. Experts predict white-collar jobs will be more impacted by these changes, making it harder for workers to advance in their careers.
Additionally, there are concerns that generative AI like ChatGPT plagiarizes others in order to create something it calls new. Workers using these tools for writing, design, or marketing must be careful that they are not stealing another's work. However, as AI becomes more prolific, that may make good writers and creators more desirable, as people seek out human-created content in a sea of AI-generated work.
Finally, tools like LLMs and ChatGPT are trained by feeding them data, but they run the risk of learning human biases and prejudices, which could come out in what they produce. Workers using generative AI must carefully review each piece to ensure it does not include any inherent bias.
Career Paths Safest from AI Automation
There are some AI-proof careers for those who want to avoid it altogether. These jobs usually involve physical work, highly specialized skills, and are people-focused. The US Career Institute reports that the top five safest jobs are:
- nurse practitioner
- choreographer
- physician's assistance
- mental health counselor
- nursing instructor and teacher (post-secondary)
Other jobs on the list include coaches, social workers, EMTs, midwives, and civil engineers. All of these jobs require either a high level of education and training, physical activity, or direct human interaction and problem solving. All of these would be difficult, if not impossible, for AI to replicate.
Explore Online Programs in AI Technology
Artificial intelligence is making waves in many careers, for better or worse. On the one hand, it can help workers perform more efficiently and with fewer mistakes. But on the other hand, it can lead to job loss. Whether you are interested in working with AI tools or you want a career as far from automation as you can get, the many accredited colleges featured on Learn.org have the right career path for you. Take a look and reach out to a school that interests you today.