How AI is reshaping 700 US professions: Automation, augmentation, and what it means for the workforce
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into the workplace, impacting a wide range of professions across the US labor market. A recent study analyzing AI's effects on more than 700 occupations found that AI systems are already automating or augmenting about 25 percent of daily tasks performed in various jobs.
This growing presence of AI raises questions about how work will change across industries and what it means for employees.
Researchers from
Anthropic
, an AI company behind the assistant Claude, examined over one million text-based conversations with users at the end of 2024. Their dataset categorized tasks handled by AI as either automated—completed independently by AI—or augmented, where AI assists humans under supervision.
This data provides a detailed view of AI's current role in reshaping job tasks in the US workforce.
AI automates and augments different tasks across occupations
The study found that AI impacts jobs differently depending on the profession. Automation occurs when AI performs tasks without human input, while augmentation requires human oversight and collaboration. On average, about 23 percent of tasks in computer and math-related jobs can be automated, reflecting the high capability of AI in technical roles.
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In contrast, educators and librarians experience the highest levels of augmentation, with 40 percent of their tasks potentially enhanced by AI tools.
According to the
Washington Post
, the Anthropic research indicates that while automation may lead to lower wages and increased unemployment in some fields, augmentation tends to raise wages for more experienced workers and creates jobs in emerging areas. The researchers also pointed out limitations, noting that their analysis focuses solely on text-based AI interactions, possibly underestimating AI's influence in professions that rely heavily on image or video generation, such as fashion or interior design.
Tech industry feels early impacts of AI
The technology sector has already experienced significant changes due to AI integration. Approximately 56 percent of tasks within computer and math jobs are either automated or augmented, with a tendency towards automation. The Washington Post reports that AI systems now write more than a quarter of the code at companies like Microsoft and Google, and IBM has replaced several hundred human resources workers with AI applications.
About 3.8 percent of the US labor force, or over 6 million people, work in tech. These positions have traditionally been well-paid and recession-resistant. However, the rapid advancement of AI is altering this landscape. The Washington Post quoted researchers emphasizing that although AI may create new job categories, such as AI security developers and ethics engineers, current trends indicate more layoffs than new hires in tech fields.
Key statistics on AI automation and augmentation across US professions
Category
Description
Percentage of tasks automated
Percentage of tasks augmented
Overall workforce impact
AI automates or augments about 25% of daily tasks across 700+ US professions
~25%
~25%
Computer and math jobs
Highest automation risk; AI automates many coding and technical tasks
23% average automation
Included in overall augmentation
Tech sector
56% of tasks automated or augmented, skewed more towards automation; AI writes 25%+ of code
56%
-
Educators and librarians
Highest augmentation scores; AI assists with 40% of their job tasks
Lower automation
40%
Tech workforce size
Over 6 million people (3.8% of US labour force) work in tech jobs
-
-
AI impact limitations
Dataset focuses on text-based AI interactions; underestimates impact on visual and design jobs
-
-
Data source: Anthropic dataset and US labour statistics, as reported by the Washington Post.
AI's impact in the workforce
Workers across sectors are encouraged to understand AI's capabilities and incorporate the technology into their daily tasks. Using AI for routine activities, research, and communication can help employees augment their work and increase productivity.
The Washington Post advises individuals to stay informed about AI's strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations to prepare for ongoing changes.
Anthropic's dataset highlights that AI's effects vary widely, and its long-term impact remains uncertain as technology evolves and regulations develop. By the end of 2024, AI's role in the workforce included automating or augmenting roughly one-quarter of daily tasks across occupations.
While automation tends to reduce employment and wages in some areas, augmentation may offer benefits, especially for experienced workers in specific fields.
As AI continues to advance, understanding its influence on job functions will be critical for workers and employers alike. The balance between automation and augmentation will likely shape the future of work in the US economy.
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