Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ushering in a transformative phase in the job market, much like how motors, computers, and industrial automation reshaped employment during previous revolutions. With generative AI tools like chatbots becoming more sophisticated, the question of which jobs are most likely to be automated has gained urgency.
While debates around AI’s impact persist—some believe AI will mostly affect white-collar professionals, others argue upskilling can cushion the blow—Microsoft has taken a data-driven approach to clarify the picture. Its newly released study offers specific insights into which professions face the greatest risk from AI technologies.
Microsoft’s research division analyzed 200,000 anonymized conversations between users and its Bing Copilot tool to assess how AI capabilities align with real-world job tasks. The company introduced an AI applicability score, a measure of how effectively current AI can perform duties across various occupations.
“Our study explores which job categories can productively use AI chatbots. It introduces an AI applicability score that measures the overlap between AI capabilities and job tasks, highlighting where AI might change how work is done, not take away or replace jobs. Our research shows that AI supports many tasks, particularly those involving research, writing, and communication, but does not indicate it can fully perform any single occupation,” said Microsoft senior researcher Kiran Tomlinson.
Roles involving communication, research, content generation, and data processing show the highest AI applicability. These jobs heavily depend on verbal and written interactions, making them prime candidates for AI intervention.
Interpreters and Translators
Historians
Sales Representatives of Services
Writers and Authors
News Analysts, Reporters, Journalists
Technical Writers
Editors
Public Relations Specialists
Data Scientists
Web Developers
Management Analysts
Political Scientists
Economists (Postsecondary Teachers)
Customer Service Representatives
Telemarketers
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
Archivists
Advertising Sales Agents
Market Research Analysts
(For the full list of all 40 high-risk jobs, see below.)
According to the findings, jobs involving research, communication, and information processing are among the most susceptible to AI disruption. Knowledge-based roles such as journalists, political scientists, editors, data scientists, and management analysts rank high on the applicability score.
Microsoft clarified that the study is not necessarily a prediction of job loss, but rather a signal that AI is poised to reshape how these roles are performed, potentially reducing human involvement in repetitive or information-based tasks.
The study also delivers a stark warning for knowledge workers with advanced degrees. Contrary to popular belief, higher education does not safeguard roles from AI.
“In terms of education requirements, we find higher AI applicability for occupations requiring a Bachelor’s degree than occupations with lower requirements.”
This includes business professors, economists, and statisticians—all of whom are now increasingly vulnerable to AI-assisted task replacement.
On the flip side, professions requiring physical labor, human interaction, or the operation of machinery scored the lowest on Microsoft’s AI applicability scale. These jobs are not easily performed by software or machines.
Nursing Assistants
Phlebotomists
Roofers
Tire Repairers
Dishwashers
Logging Equipment Operators
Massage Therapists
Medical Equipment Preparers
Floor Sanders and Finishers
Water Treatment Plant Operators
Cement Masons
Dredge Operators
Orderlies
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Gas Pumping Station Operators
(Full list provided at the end of this article.)
These occupations often require manual dexterity, emotional intelligence, or real-time decision-making, making them less likely to be impacted in the immediate future.
Microsoft researchers acknowledge that even these seemingly AI-resistant roles might not stay safe forever. As AI and robotics evolve, some level of automation could extend to hands-on roles, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
(Top 40 AI-Exposed Jobs):
Interpreters and Translators
Historians
Passenger Attendants
Sales Representatives of Services
Writers and Authors
Customer Service Representatives
CNC Tool Programmers
Telephone Operators
Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
Broadcast Announcers and Radio DJs
Brokerage Clerks
Farm and Home Management Educators
Telemarketers
Concierges
Political Scientists
News Analysts, Reporters, Journalists
Mathematicians
Technical Writers
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
Hosts and Hostesses
Editors
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Public Relations Specialists
Demonstrators and Product Promoters
Advertising Sales Agents
New Accounts Clerks
Statistical Assistants
Counter and Rental Clerks
Data Scientists
Personal Financial Advisors
Archivists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Web Developers
Management Analysts
Geographers
Models
Market Research Analysts
Public Safety Telecommunicators
Switchboard Operators
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
(Top 40 AI-Resistant Jobs):
Phlebotomists
Nursing Assistants
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Helpers—Painters, Plasterers
Embalmers
Plant and System Operators (All Other)
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Automotive Glass Installers
Ship Engineers
Tire Repairers and Changers
Prosthodontists
Helpers—Production Workers
Highway Maintenance Workers
Medical Equipment Preparers
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators
Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Dishwashers
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
Supervisors of Firefighters
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Massage Therapists
Surgical Assistants
Tire Builders
Helpers—Roofers
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Roofers
Roustabouts (Oil and Gas)
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Paving Equipment Operators
Logging Equipment Operators
Motorboat Operators
Orderlies
Floor Sanders and Finishers
Pile Driver Operators
Rail Track Maintenance Operators
Foundry Mold and Coremakers
Water Treatment Plant Operators
Bridge and Lock Tenders
Dredge Operators
Microsoft’s research sheds critical light on how AI is poised to transform—not necessarily eliminate—many jobs, especially those centered on communication, research, and information handling. While manual jobs remain safe for now, the message is clear: adaptability, reskilling, and embracing AI tools will be key for future-proofing careers.