The impact of artificial intelligence on employment in the US: which jobs are at risk and which are booming?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape in all areas, and of course, also in the workplace in the United States. As automation and AI-based technologies continue to evolve, it’s inevitable to ask: which jobs are at risk of being replaced and which are booming? While some sectors could face significant disruption, others will see exponential growth fueled by the same technology.
Jobs at risk of being replaced by AI
It must be taken into account that these tasks will not disappear, but professionals here must adapt to technological changes:
Administrative and office jobs
Many routine tasks, such as data entry, email management, meeting scheduling, and reporting, can be performed by algorithms and automated systems.
Professions such as administrative assistants, accountants, receptionists and entry-level data analysts are seeing a decline in demand as automation allows organizations to operate with fewer staff.
On the other hand, the integration of chatbots and virtual assistants has reduced the need for jobs in customer service and technical support. Processes such as data management, basic accounting and customer service can be efficiently handled by AI, putting at risk jobs such as:
- Administrative assistants
- Receptionists
- Junior accountants
Production and manufacturing chains
Process automation, driven by industrial robots, smart sensors and machine learning systems, has reduced the need for assembly line workers, quality control and basic maintenance.
Companies in sectors such as automotive, electronics and food are investing in advanced technology to reduce operating costs, which has led to a decrease in demand for manual workers. Collaborative robots, known as cobots, can perform repetitive tasks more accurately and faster than humans, while AI systems optimize logistics and inventory management.
Transportation and logistics services
The modernization of employment has been a recurring theme in American politics. For example, the newspaper El Español.com announced that during the Trump administration, significant changes were announced in the labor market, such as the creation of the state version of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by South African businessman Elon Musk.
This body seeks to eliminate more than 740 government positions and review more than 70 boards and commissions in Florida to evaluate their continuity.
In this context of restructuring, AI in transport and logistics represents a natural evolution of the economy, driving the need for new skills and opportunities. Companies like Tesla and Waymo have developed vehicles with self-driving capabilities that could dramatically reduce the need for:
- truck drivers
- Delivery drivers
- Taxi drivers and transportation by application
Retail jobs
Cashiers are one of the most affected groups due to the implementation of self-service checkouts and automated payment systems that reduce the need for point-of-sale employees.
Sales assistants also face changes, as chatbots and virtual assistants can guide customers through their online and in-store purchases with increasing precision.
All of this is decreasing demand for:
- ATMs
- Store clerks
- Customer service representatives
Journalism and content creation
Advanced AI tools, such as ChatGPT and other text generation platforms, can draft news, articles and posts in seconds, reducing the need for journalists and editors for routine content production.
AI algorithms are optimizing content strategies in social media and digital marketing, replacing some of the work of content creators and strategists. However, human intervention is still required for deep analysis, interviews and investigative reporting, areas where AI has limitations.
Jobs on the rise thanks to AI
On the other side of the coin, there are jobs that are booming thanks to AI:
Data Science and AI Engineering
Data scientists have become key players, since their job consists of analyzing information, detecting patterns and generating predictive models that help make business decisions.
On the other hand, AI engineers are essential in creating and improving algorithms, machine learning systems and natural language processing, enabling the development of intelligent applications in sectors such as healthcare, finance and manufacturing. In-demand jobs include:
- Data scientists
- Machine learning engineers
- Cybersecurity specialists
Digital transformation specialists
These professionals play a key role in the integration of new technologies within companies, helping them optimize processes, improve efficiency and stay competitive in the digital age.
They also help companies manage the transition from traditional business models to more technological environments, taking advantage of tools such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing. Some of the most in-demand roles include:
- Digital transformation consultants
- Process automation engineers
- Business analysts with a focus on AI
Health professionals
Although AI is automating certain tasks, such as the interpretation of medical images and the analysis of clinical data, the work of doctors, nurses and health specialists is still essential.
Professionals with knowledge in bioinformatics, medical data analysis, and implementation of AI tools are in high demand, as they help develop predictive models to detect diseases more accurately and optimize treatments.
Some of the most sought after professions are:
- Telemedicine specialists
- biomedical engineers
- Software developers for medical applications
AI education and training
Professors, instructors and technology consultants are seeing an increase in job opportunities within universities, technical training centers and companies looking to update the skills of their employees.
AI teaching has also fueled the creation of new online learning platforms, where specialists design interactive courses and certification programs accessible to a global audience. Educational institutions and companies are looking for professionals to:
- Teach AI and data science
- Develop online courses on AI
- Train corporate teams in automation
Engineering and maintenance of technological infrastructure
Computer, network, and cybersecurity engineers are in high demand, as they are responsible for designing, implementing, and protecting the digital infrastructure that enables data processing and storage in the cloud.
With the growth of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), technicians specialized in hardware, servers and cooling systems for data centers are increasingly needed.
With the advancement of AI, trained personnel are also required to design and maintain the technological infrastructure necessary for its operation, including:
- Network and server administrators
- Cloud computing engineers
- AI hardware and software specialists
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