Asking yourself what jobs will AI replace? Here are 9 jobs that might be replaced

We all remember those movies set in a dystopian future where the “robots take over.” As the march of AI continues to charge forward, it feels like we’re living a real life movie. With tech leaders telling us that AI will become the “most disruptive force in history,” we’re left to wonder: what jobs will AI replace?

Will the disruptive force of AI directly impact or even replace your current job? Would a pivot in a new career direction be advisable? Could AI create more opportunities? Understanding which jobs are more or less at risk will help prepare you to take on the AI revolution. 

In this article, we explore:

• Jobs that AI will replace

• Jobs that AI will struggle to replace

What jobs will AI replace?

AI is expected to replace—and is already impacting—more traditional roles, such as jobs focused on data entry, administration, customer support, accounting, banking, and production. Many tasks that are boring and repetitive can easily be replaced by AI, with companies prioritizing the accuracy and cost-efficiency AI offers over human error and the significant costs of employment.

Here are nine jobs that AI will replace and some top tips to help you stay ahead of the curve: 

1. Administrator

Administrative and record-keeping jobs are expected to decline by 26 million according to the World Economic Forum, with data entry clerks taking the biggest hit. AI and cutting-edge software can easily handle many of the responsibilities that fall under the remit of these roles, with the added bonus of increased efficiency and accuracy.

One way administrators can tackle the AI takeover is to evolve their role towards a more strategic executive assistant position via training and developing expertise in their chosen industry. In this way, they can provide critical insights to support decision-making and focus on higher-value activities; this will let AI perform the mundane administrative tasks.

2. Market research specialist

The market research industry is about to be transformed by AI, with this technology expected to replace many jobs due to its ability to quickly deliver advanced data analysis. Market researchers, statisticians, research analysts, and market analysts rate highly in respect of positions most likely to be replaced by AI. 

On the flip side, if you work in the market research field, then upskilling and targeting more strategic, qualitative jobs could be a better option. Market research jobs less likely to be replaced by AI include ones in product management, customer insights, and project management.

3. Driver

With self-driving cars, the driving industry will experience a major shakeup. Public bus drivers, long-haul truckers, and anyone paid to drive from A to B will be impacted by this technological advancement. 

Completing training and developing skills in the areas of logistics, fleet management, and autonomous vehicle technologies is one way former drivers can prepare themselves for the AI revolution and pivot their career in the right direction.

4. Customer support agent

Frequently asked customer questions can easily be handled by AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants, reducing the need for a human. These systems can also deliver data analysis and are extremely cost effective. Advances are being made to humanize AI systems further so they are capable of answering more complex queries and could even seem to empathize with customers.

If you’re currently working in or targeting a customer service role, then developing skills that complement AI is the best approach. We’ve all been in the situation where we wanted to speak to a person, not a machine! Roles in customer success, client relationship management, or as a subject matter expert (SME) in a specific industry are all good career options.

5. Translator and Interpreter

If you’ve passion and a talent for languages, then a career as a translator or interpreter could be your dream job. However, ChatGPT and advanced language processing software are really shaking up the language industry. This technology can provide highly accurate translations in seconds, with advances in cultural nuances continually improving.

Translators or interpreters who focus on highly specialized niche areas that require a deep understanding of language will be better placed to navigate this new job landscape. This could include roles involving legal, medical, or technical translations.

6. Accountant and Bookkeeper

AI tools and software can easily automate accounting and bookkeeping tasks, with the ability to process high-volume data, identify discrepancies, and deliver high levels of accuracy. AI tools leverage machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics to deliver robust financial management.  

Accountants and bookkeepers should embrace the use of AI-driven tools to work smarter and consider upskilling in areas such as financial analysis and strategic consulting. AI doesn’t have the ability to deliver nuanced strategic recommendations or business decisions that only skilled finance professionals can provide.

7. Proofreader 

AI-powered tools are laser-fast in checking not only spelling, but grammar, syntax errors, and suggesting improvements in writing style and readability. Tools such as Grammarly and Hemingway Editor have replaced the simple MS Office spell checker and made the jobs of proofreaders increasingly endangered.

Proofreaders should embrace AI tools to speed up the process of proofreading, and focus on building relationships with clients and utilizing their skills in fine tuning the tone, voice, and authenticity of content.

8. Radiologist  

AI advances in the healthcare sphere continue to stride forward. Machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and data analysis are being applied to enhance diagnostics, personalize medicine, and perform medical administrative tasks. Jobs in radiology, medical administration, and medical coding are at most risk.

Professionals who can blend medical and data-science expertise will really thrive in this new environment. For radiologists, this could include medical leaders, designers, data architects, and teams involved in the procurement and implementation of AI products.

9. Retail salespeople

AI is transforming the retail shopping experience. Self-checkouts are becoming the norm, cashier-free convenience stores are increasing in numbers, and internet-savvy shoppers can easily research potential purchases.

If you’re working in retail sales, focusing your career towards roles involved in customer relationship building, merchandising, and store management will help you navigate this new landscape. Enhancing your specific product/service knowledge to expert level will also help set you apart from AI and deliver optimal service to customers, who often prefer a 1:1 interaction over machine-based support.

What jobs will AI struggle to replace?

While AI will certainly be a disruptive force, the good news is that it will also create new sectors and millions of jobs for us humans. There’s also some careers where AI will have much less impact due to its limitations in areas such as critical thinking, human creativity and social and emotional intelligence. 

Now that you know what jobs AI will replace, here are seven examples of jobs the robots will struggle to take over:

1. Lawyer

Lawyers often have to be quick on their feet, using their judgment to argue a case in front of a jury, while simultaneously developing strong client relationships. Strong emotional intelligence, reasoning, creativity, and a strategic approach make for a successful lawyer—all attributes that AI cannot replicate.

2. Chief Executive Officer

Great CEOs apply critical thinking, tenacity, and vision to lead and actively generate profit for the business. While AI can easily number crunch and then deliver recommendations, talented CEOs with the aforementioned soft skills can easily outperform the average AI robot. 

3. Writer

Thousands of writers and creatives have been striking due to AI advancements, illustrating their deep concern for the future. But writing still requires a personal creativity, and unique perspectives that only human experience can bring.So the outlook is potentially not as bleak as it may seem. There’s also potentially many lawsuits on the horizon as AI gets too close to original content. 

4. PR specialist

Public relations is all about creativity, networking, relationship-building and creating a buzz for an employer. While AI can help with analyzing data and handling customer queries, no robot is stronger than a human at fully understanding people, building connections, and then delivering compelling stories.

5. Teacher 

Educators don’t just provide information, they build relationships with students and inspire them to learn in a supportive environment. Machines simply can’t replicate the empathy, insight, and inspirational attributes of a great teacher. According to the Future of Jobs Report 2023, growth of 10 percent is expected in the education sector by 2027. 

6. Event planner

Event planners juggle many tasks in order to ensure their industry event is a success. From researching and creating customized event plans and negotiating vendor contracts, to overseeing event delivery, these talented professionals can’t be easily automated by AI intelligence. 

7. Human resource manager

Human resources will probably always need a human to handle the more complicated aspects of HR that simply can’t be automated. Empathy, communication, active listening, and social skills are all ways HR specialists can stay ahead of the AI curve. 

If you’re looking to map out your career and navigate your industry, check out Career.io’s Career Coaching service.

Key takeaways

1. AI is here to stay and will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the job market. Some jobs will be replaced, some will change, but many jobs will be created too.

2. Upskilling is a way to stay ahead in this new landscape and will position you as a talented employee that AI simply can't replace.

3. Keep updated on AI advancements, leverage AI to complete any mundane and repetitive tasks, and focus on becoming more effective in your career.