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AI And Jobs: What The Evidence Really Shows

AI is changing work, but mostly by changing tasks rather than wiping out jobs. The International Labour Organization says one in four jobs worldwide has some exposure to generative AI, but only 3.3% are in the most exposed group. Office and clerical work is affected most.

Last checked 16 October 2026. Every figure on this page links to its source below.

How Many Jobs Could AI Affect?

The International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations agency for work, published a global study in May 2025. It found that about one in four workers worldwide is in a job with some exposure to generative AI, the kind of AI behind chatbots such as ChatGPT.

"Exposure" does not mean the job will disappear. It means some of the tasks could be done or helped by AI. Only 3.3% of jobs worldwide were in the highest exposure group, and the ILO says even those jobs still contain tasks that need a person. Its conclusion is that changing jobs, not replacing them, is the most likely effect.

Share of jobs with some exposure to generative AI

WorldwideAbout 1 in 4
Higher-income countries34%
Lower-income countries11%
Worldwide, in the most exposed group3.3%
Source: ILO and NASK, Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure, 20 May 2025.

Which Jobs Are Most Affected?

The ILO found that clerical jobs are the most exposed, such as data entry, typing, bookkeeping and general office work. It also found rising exposure in some highly digital jobs in media, software and finance. Jobs that rely on hands-on, physical or face-to-face work are far less exposed.

Women are more likely than men to work in the most exposed jobs: 4.7% of women's jobs worldwide are in the highest exposure group, against 2.4% of men's.

Do Richer Countries Feel It More?

Yes, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Its January 2024 analysis found that almost 40% of jobs worldwide are exposed to AI. In advanced economies the figure is about 60%, because more people do office and thinking-based work. The IMF says roughly half of those exposed jobs could benefit from AI through higher productivity, while the other half could see less demand, lower wages or slower hiring.

Will AI Create New Jobs Too?

Employers expect both losses and gains. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 surveyed over 1,000 employers across 55 economies. Looking at all big trends together, including technology, it estimates that 170 million jobs will be created and 92 million displaced between 2025 and 2030, a net gain of 78 million. These are employer forecasts, not certainties.

Employer forecasts to 2030 (worldwide)

  • 170 millionjobs expected to be created
  • 92 millionjobs expected to be displaced
  • 78 millionnet new jobs
Source: World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025 (January 2025). Covers all major trends, not AI alone.

How Do Workers Feel About It?

National surveys give a flavour. In one example, Pew Research Center asked 5,273 workers in the USA in October 2024. Only 16% said at least some of their work is done with AI, 52% said they felt worried about AI at work, and 36% felt hopeful. Workers aged 50 and over who had tried chatbots found them less helpful for working faster than younger workers did.

What It Means For You

  • If you are still working, AI is most likely to touch writing, admin and research tasks first. Trying a free chatbot for a letter or summary is a low-risk way to learn.
  • Skills that involve people, judgement and hands-on work are the least exposed, and experience counts.
  • Never paste confidential work, customer or patient details into a public chatbot. Check your employer's rules.
  • If you volunteer or run a small business, our guide to writing an email with AI is a good first step.

Common Questions

Is AI taking jobs?

So far the evidence points mainly to jobs changing rather than vanishing. The ILO says only 3.3% of jobs worldwide are in the most exposed group, and even those still need people for some tasks.

Which jobs does AI affect most?

Clerical and office jobs, such as data entry, typing and bookkeeping, according to the ILO's 2025 global study. Some digital jobs in media, software and finance are also increasingly exposed.

Are older workers using AI?

Surveys suggest less than younger workers. In a 2024 Pew survey in the USA, workers aged 50 and over who had used chatbots found them less helpful for working faster.

Is it too late to learn?

No. The most common uses, such as drafting and editing writing, are easy to try for free. Our AI Starter Guide begins from scratch.

New to all this? Our free AI Starter Guide walks you through the basics, and you can print it.

Read Next

Sources

Last checked 16 October 2026.

Updated 19 October 2026