Microsoft reveals 40 jobs AI is coming for, and 40 it can't touch yet - is yours on the list?
A groundbreaking Microsoft study has sparked global conversation about the future of jobs and how AI chatbots like Copilot are already transforming the modern workplace. By analyzing over 200,000 real-world Copilot interactions across various industries in the U.S., researchers have identified the top 40 jobs most impacted by generative AI—and those where chatbot technology is barely useful. The insights are both eye-opening and timely, especially as more companies integrate AI tools into daily workflows.
Microsoft identifies jobs with high overlap with AI chatbot capabilities
The Microsoft research team focused on understanding how generative AI—like Copilot and ChatGPT—is being used across different job roles. Instead of predicting job loss or automation, the study measured something called
'AI applicability'
: how often workers use chatbots, how successful those interactions are, and whether the technology helps accomplish real work tasks.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Please select course:
Select a Course Category
PGDM
Project Management
others
Digital Marketing
Finance
Design Thinking
Management
Healthcare
Degree
Data Analytics
MBA
Public Policy
healthcare
Data Science
Operations Management
Leadership
Technology
Data Science
Cybersecurity
CXO
Product Management
Others
Skills you'll gain:
Financial Analysis & Decision Making
Quantitative & Analytical Skills
Organizational Management & Leadership
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Duration:
24 Months
IMI Delhi
Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Online)
Starts on
Sep 1, 2024
Get Details
In simple terms, the report maps out how closely AI tools currently align with the core duties of specific professions. The more aligned a job's tasks are with AI, the higher its 'AI overlap' score.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Knee pain prices might surprise you
Knee pain | search ads
Find Now
Undo
Jobs with the highest AI overlap include writers, translators, and customer support
Here are the top 10 jobs that showed the strongest overlap with chatbot technology, according to Microsoft's Copilot usage data:
Interpreters and translators
Historians
Passenger attendants
Sales representatives (services)
Writers and authors
Customer service representatives
CNC tool programmers
Telephone operators
Ticket agents and travel clerks
Broadcast announcers and radio DJs
These roles often involve repetitive communication, content generation, summarizing information, answering questions, or pulling data—all areas where AI chatbots already perform exceptionally well.
Live Events
Other jobs on the broader list of 40 include news reporters, editors, proofreaders, public relations specialists, and technical writers, all of which heavily rely on written communication and knowledge work—two domains where tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT excel.
Manual labor and people-centered jobs show the least AI impact
While AI is transforming white-collar jobs, it has little to no relevance in tasks that require physical presence, manual labor, or emotional care. The study also highlighted the 40 jobs with lowest overlap with AI, meaning chatbot tools currently offer almost no support or automation in these roles.
Here are some of the least affected jobs:
Dredge operators
Bridge and lock tenders
Maids and housekeeping cleaners
Roofers, concrete finishers, and floor sanders
Massage therapists and phlebotomists
Dishwashers and highway maintenance workers
Licensed nursing assistants and medical technicians
These careers require hands-on skills, human judgment, or direct care, making them far less likely to be disrupted by language-based AI models.
Microsoft emphasizes AI is a tool, not a job killer—for now
Importantly, Microsoft was clear: no occupation is currently performed entirely by AI. Even in high-overlap jobs like translation or writing, human professionals remain essential. AI tools like Copilot are being used to augment productivity, not replace workers.
The company also noted that this study focused solely on text-based generative AI, not robotics or automation, which means future disruption in physical roles could still occur if robotics technology advances.
This nuance is important because it shows that while AI is rapidly becoming a workplace assistant, full automation of entire careers is still far off.
40 Jobs Most Impacted by AI
These roles involve language, writing, research, communication, or repetitive digital tasks—prime targets for tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.
Interpreters and Translators
Historians
Social Science Research Assistants
Sociologists
Political Scientists
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Public Relations Specialists
Editors
Clinical Data Managers
Reporters and Journalists
Technical Writers
Copy Writers
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
Correspondence Clerks
Court Reporters
Writers and Authors
Postsecondary Teachers (Communications, English, History)
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Credit Counselors
Tax Preparers
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal Secretaries
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Market Research Analysts
Management Analysts
Fundraisers
Human Resources Specialists
Customer Service Representatives
Sales Representatives (Services)
Insurance Underwriters
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Loan Officers
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Training and Development Specialists
Computer Systems Analysts
Data Scientists
Database Architects
Travel Agents
40 Jobs Least Impacted by AI
These jobs typically require physical presence, manual labor, dexterity, or nuanced real-time decision-making.
Dredge Operators
Bridge and Lock Tenders
Pump Operators
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Waste Treatment Plant Operators
Crushing, Grinding Machine Operators
Roofers
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
Logging Equipment Operators
Mine Cutting Machine Operators
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Construction Laborers
Terrazzo Workers
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
Pipelayers
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Septic Tank Servicers
Tire Builders
Fence Erectors
Derrick Operators (Oil & Gas)
Roustabouts (Oil & Gas)
Furnace, Kiln, Oven Operators
Insulation Workers
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Hazardous Waste Technicians
Phlebotomists
Embalmers
Massage Therapists
Physical Therapist Aides
Firefighting Supervisors
Construction Supervisors
Excavating Operators
Drilling and Boring Machine Operators
Hoist and Winch Operators
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Dishwashers
Janitors and Cleaners
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Experts say the data may not tell the whole story
Some experts have raised concerns that the study might oversimplify complex roles. For instance, while historians ranked high in AI overlap due to content research and summarization, critics argue that historical analysis requires deep contextual understanding and critical thinking that AI cannot replicate.
Similarly, cybersecurity professionals have pushed back on the inclusion of tech roles, stating that real-world security decisions involve risk assessment, nuance, and ethical judgment that go far beyond chatbot capabilities.
Why this study matters for your career
This Microsoft AI study is a wake-up call for professionals in nearly every field. Whether you're a writer, analyst, salesperson, or software programmer, you should be asking: How can I use AI to support my work, not compete with it?
For those in highly affected industries, learning how to use AI as a co-pilot rather than a competitor will be crucial. This includes skills like:
Writing better prompts
Understanding AI limitations
Verifying AI-generated outputs
Using AI to automate low-value tasks while focusing on strategic work
Meanwhile, for workers in manual or people-facing roles, the AI wave may not yet affect daily duties—but staying informed is still key as future tools expand into new areas.
Adaptation is the new job security
The core message from Microsoft's findings is clear: AI isn't replacing humans—it's changing how we work. Understanding where and how these changes are happening can help workers prepare, adapt, and thrive.
Whether you're in a role that shows high chatbot overlap or not, the best thing you can do is stay ahead by building AI literacy, seeking continuous learning, and staying curious about the future of your industry.
FAQs:
Q1. Which jobs are most affected by Microsoft's AI study?
Writers, translators, and customer service roles are most impacted by Copilot AI use.
Q2. What kind of jobs are safe from AI chatbots?
Manual labor and hands-on care jobs like housekeeping and roofing are least affected by AI.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
a minute ago
- Business Standard
OpenAI, Google, Anthropic win US govt approval for civilian AI contracts
By Gregory Korte and Shirin Ghaffary The US government's central purchasing arm is adding OpenAI, Alphabet Inc.'s Google and Anthropic to a list of approved artificial intelligence vendors, opening the door to widespread adoption of the technology across civilian federal agencies. The move by the General Services Administration, to be announced Tuesday, will speed up the adoption of AI tools in the federal government by making them available through its Multiple Award Schedule, a federal contracting platform with contract terms already set. Without that flexibility, agencies would ordinarily spend months negotiating their own terms for use of the technology. GSA officials said the models from the three companies — OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude — were evaluated by several performance and security measures. The agency didn't immediately disclose the terms of the contracts. But it's used its buying power to negotiate deep discounts with software providers like Adobe Inc., Salesforce Inc. and Google. Other leading-edge AI companies would also be considered for the marketplace. The first three vendors were simply further along in the procurement process, the officials said. 'We're not in the position of picking winners or losers here. We want the maximum number of tools to provide to all federal government employees to make them as productive as possible,' said GSA Deputy Administrator Stephen Ehikian. 'There's going to be different tools for different use cases.' The move comes just days after President Donald Trump signed three executive orders aimed at reshaping the government's role in AI, including a mandate that federal agencies only procure language models 'free from ideological bias.' Enforcing the presidential ban on what Trump calls 'woke AI' would be an agency-by-agency process, according to the GSA. 'But at the same time, this is a race, right? And as the president said, we're going to win this race,' said Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of GSA's Federal Acquisition Service. Adding the three companies to the multiple award schedule — which makes commercial IT products more readily available to agencies — means federal bureaucrats can begin using large language models that had previously been restricted to smaller pilot projects or national security use. The Pentagon has already awarded AI contracts to OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI, which are separate from the GSA's announcements on Tuesday. Many agencies, including the Treasury Department and Office of Personnel Management, have already expressed interest in using the new platform, according to GSA officials. Under the previous presidential administration, federal agencies identified potential uses for AI such as processing patent applications, detecting tax fraud, reviewing grant submissions and copy-editing press releases. Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor said he envisions using AI to develop customer service chatbots and to summarize tens of thousands of public comments on rulemaking — a process that previously bogged down changes to regulations. But he said agencies will also have to hire savvy employees. 'We're probably missing people who are super conversant with very modern, AI-related stuff,' he said. 'Clearly, we can't just throw things against the wall and see what sticks,' Kupor said.
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
Rs948cr approved for acquisition of land for industrial units
Patna: In a bid to expand the state's land bank for industrial and production units, the state cabinet on Tuesday approved six proposals for the acquisition of private land in six districts, sanctioning a total of Rs 948 crore. The land will be acquired by the Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA). In addition, the cabinet cleared the free-of-cost transfer of two govt land parcels totalling 96.98 acres, both located in the Goradih circle of Bhagalpur district, to the industries department for the creation of a new industrial corridor. The permanent transfer was made by the revenue and land reforms department. Following cabinet approval, deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary said, "The industries department will develop a new industrial corridor on the land whose transfer has received cabinet sanction. The development of this corridor in Bhagalpur aligns with CM Nitish Kumar's vision to boost industrialisation in the state and revive Bhagalpur's industrial landscape." On the sanctioned land acquisitions, additional chief secretary of the cabinet secretariat Department, S Siddharth, said, "These are intended to expand the state's industrial area. It will facilitate private investment and generate employment and work opportunities." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Female Athletes Right Now Undo The sanctioned amounts include Rs 284 crore for 441 acres in Aurangabad, Rs 297 crore for 700 acres in Muzaffarpur, Rs 151 crore for 498 acres in Supaul, Rs 39 crore for 252 acres in Katihar, Rs 11 crore for land in Gopalganj and Rs 164 crore for 524 acres in Nalanda. In another move, the cabinet approved the leasing of identified land in Pirpainty block of Bhagalpur — originally earmarked for a solar power plant by Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited — to a private firm for establishing a thermal power plant through competitive bidding. The selected company will set up three thermal units of 800MW each, totalling 2,400MW of power. The land will be leased for Rs 1 per year for 33 years. Power will be supplied at Rs 6.08 per unit (including a fixed charge of Rs 4.165 and fuel surcharge of Rs 1.910), as approved by the Bihar State Electricity Commission. The cabinet also approved several welfare measures, including salary and honorarium hikes announced by the CM. Temporary sanitation workers will now receive Rs 5,000 per month, while sanitation inspectors will get Rs 9,000. Other approvals include Rs 10,000 per month for night guards at schools (effective from Aug 1), Rs 3,300 per month for midday meal cooks, Rs 8,000 for physical education teachers (with an annual increment of Rs 200), and Rs 16,000 for contractual health instructors (with a Rs 400 annual increment). Revised incentives for ASHA and Mamata workers were also cleared. In a major relief for students, the cabinet abolished the mandatory 75% attendance requirement for availing monetary assistance under various schemes. From the current financial year, assistance will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible students in government and recognised private secondary and higher secondary schools via the direct benefit transfer (DBT) system.
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
Cabinet OKs bus scheme for migrants & digital libraries in all constituencies
Patna: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved two key proposals ahead of the assembly elections scheduled for Oct-Nov – a scheme to facilitate festive-season travel for migrant workers and the establishment of digital libraries in all 243 assembly constituencies. According to the cabinet note, around 6,000 migrant workers and other residents travel daily from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan to Bihar during the festive months —specifically from Durga Puja to Chhath, and again during Holi. To address this seasonal rush, the govt will operate private buses under the public-private partnership (PPP) model along inter-state routes for the next five years. The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) will sign agreements with private bus operators to run services during this period. "Under the scheme, the transport corporation will pay incentive money to the private bus operators at the rate of Rs 150 per seat during the peak period and Rs 300 per seat during the lean period, as per the agreement terms. Also, 2% of the total cost will be provided as a contingency fund to ensure smooth operations," said S Siddharth, additional chief secretary, cabinet secretariat department. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like From Smoothies to Stretching: Gentle Ideas for Lower Back Wellness Read More Undo Together, the incentives and contingency allocation total Rs 36 crore — comprising Rs 35 crore in incentive payments and Rs 71 lakh in contingency funds. For the current financial year (2025-26), Rs 7.27 crore has been earmarked. The cabinet also gave administrative approval for Rs 94 crore as the establishment cost for chief minister's Digital Library Scheme, under which a library will be set up in every assembly constituency to support job-seeking youth and students. Each digital library, spread across 300 square feet, will offer access to syllabus content, advanced learning materials and preparation resources for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET and CLAT. Users will also be able to access employment-related information from district employment offices and job portals. The libraries will be equipped with high-speed internet and 10 computers each. The Patna district digital library will serve as the state-level model with 60 computers, while regional models will have 50 computers. Constituency-level libraries will be set up in locations such as Panchayat Bhavans, block office premises, Nagar Parishads, community libraries, or in govt schools and colleges with additional space.
