While nobody has a workable crystal ball, experts say these jobs are most at risk from artificial intelligence.
White-collar workers may feel a pinch in the neck when they see which jobs are at risk from artificial intelligence heading into 2024.
That after a new study by the UK Department for Education, released on November 28, shined a harsh spotlight on the professional occupations in danger of being replaced by AI-engineered robots, chatbots, and other AI applications.
“Advances in artificial intelligence are widely expected to have a profound and widespread effect on the UK economy and society, though the precise nature and speed of this effect is uncertain,” the report said. “The UK education system and employers will need to adapt to ensure that individuals in the workforce have the skills they need to make the most of the potential benefits.”
The study is among the first taken on by major Western governments to gauge the impact of AI and large language models on professional occupations. It turns out that white-collar workers have the most to worry about and blue-collar workers the least.
Ranked from #1 to #365, here’s a list of jobs AI is “most likely” to replace.
1 Management Consultants and business analysts
2 Financial Managers and directors
3 Chartered and certified accountants
4 Psychologists
5 Purchasing managers and directors
5 Actuaries, economists, and statisticians
6 Business and financial project management professionals
7 Finance and investment analysts and advisers
8 Legal professionals n.e.c.
9 Business and related associate professionals n.e.c.
10 Credit controllers
Here’s a list of jobs AI is “least likely” to replace.
365 Sports players
364 Roofers, roof tilers, and slaters
363 Plasterers
362 Steel erectors
361 Vehicle valet and cleaning specialist
360 Hospital porters
359 Cleaners and domestics
358 Floorers and wall tilers
357 Metal plate workers, and riveters
356 Launderers, dry cleaners, and pressers
355 Window cleaners
Ironically, it’s high-degree occupations that should see an AI-fueled job realignment in the coming years (the UK study didn’t put a date or time frame on the potential job displacement).
Lawyers, business consultants, accountants, college professors, and financial investment advisors are likely to be first on the chopping block. In the “safe” category are professional athletes, roofers, steel workers, and iron workers, as AI may be able to walk you through riveting a bolt to a beam, it can’t pick up a power tool and do the job itself.
The technology is most likely to transform professional roles such as lawyers, accountants, and financial managers. Teachers are also among the roles diagnosed with high AI exposure.
The list is no certainty, as study researchers say they’re working on estimated assessment models in ranking at-risk jobs that could fall due to AI. But if you’re thinking of hanging out a shingle and making a go of it as a management consultant or a professional money manager – you may want to think again.
Brian O’Connell, a former Wall Street bond trader and best-selling author, is a prominent figure in the finance industry. With a substantial background as an ex-Wall Street trader, he has authored two best-selling books: ‘The 401k Millionaire’ and ‘CNBC’s Creating Wealth’, demonstrating his profound knowledge of finance and investing.
Brian is also a finance and business writer for esteemed national platforms and publications, including CNN, TheStreet.com, CBS News, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Fox News.