Which Job Roles Are Less Susceptible to Automation by AI?

September 7, 2024 TruthUSA

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been rapidly developing and has the potential to reshape the job market, as per research conducted by Statistics Canada. While some jobs can leverage this technology, others might face replacement by AI.

StatCan stated that the report assesses the vulnerability of different groups of Canadian workers based on the nature of their job tasks.

Workers were classified into three groups: those whose jobs can coexist with AI, those whose jobs are at risk of being taken over by AI, and those whose jobs are unlikely to be replaced by this technology.

Based on census data from 2021, the report found that 29 percent of jobs (3.9 million workers) fell into the first group, where their jobs aligned with AI. 40 percent of jobs (5.4 million employees) were deemed safe from AI replacement, while 31 percent of jobs (4.2 million employees) were susceptible to being substituted by AI, according to the report.

“The experimental estimates in this study are primarily based on the technological feasibility of automating job tasks,” the authors explained. “Employers may not immediately replace human labor with AI, even if it is technically feasible, due to financial, legal, and institutional limitations.“

StatCan also highlighted that some economists believe that the advantages and disadvantages of AI might be exaggerated, including potential boosts in productivity.

Another concern regarding AI replacing jobs is the possible displacement of workers to other industries, as mentioned in the report.

According to StatCan, most literature on labor economics suggests that workers with less education are at greater risk, as they often hold roles involving routine and manual tasks that AI can perform. Nevertheless, the report points out that a wider range of the workforce could be impacted by AI taking over, as it can handle non-routine and cognitive assignments.

Jobs At Risk

The authors identified specific job roles that fall into each category. Professions that are more repetitive and routine are more susceptible to AI replacement, such as:

Data entry
Computer network technicians
Computer programmers
Interactive media developers
Economists
Administrative roles in finance, insurance, and business sectors
Office support positions
Sales representatives
Customer service
Computer and information systems workers

“In comparison to employees in other sectors, exposure to AI-related job changes is higher for those in professional, scientific and technical services; finance and insurance; information and cultural industries; educational services; and healthcare and social assistance,” as stated in the report.

AI Resistant Jobs

Jobs that involve manual labor are less likely to be replaced by AI. These roles can include:

Carpenters
Plumbers
Firefighters
Food and beverage servers
Laborers in processing, manufacturing, or utilities
Sales or service support positions
Trade helpers
Construction laborers
Jobs supporting health services
Natural resource positions
Agricultural roles
Accommodation jobs

AI Complementary Jobs

Statistics Canada pointed out certain roles that complement AI—meaning employees will collaborate with machines to accomplish tasks. These roles include: