AI’s Role in Transforming the Job Market by 2035
Amidst increasing apprehension of job displacement, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the employment landscape. While fears persist, recent projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveal a nuanced picture of job growth and decline over the next decade.
The BLS anticipates a 3.5% increase in U.S. jobs, translating to 5.9 million new positions by 2035. This growth is notably slower compared to the previous decade, with healthcare, technology, and renewable energy sectors expected to lead the charge. Detailed insights from the BLS can be found in their report.
AI-Induced Job Shifts
As AI integrates into various industries, demand is expected to rise for roles in data analysis, cybersecurity, and software development. However, automation may lead to a diminished need for certain office support, sales, and production roles. According to federal data, administrative positions such as clerks and typists are projected to decline by 4% due to the “continued integration of automation tools, including those powered by AI,” per the Labor Department.
In addition to sales, sectors like farming, fishing, and forestry are also poised to experience job losses.
Occupations Facing Decline
The following positions are expected to see the steepest decline in employment rates from 2025 to 2035, based on BLS projections. While they might not represent the largest number of jobs lost, they do signify the greatest percentage decrease.
- Word processors and typists
- Expected decline: -34.4%
- Employment in 2025: 40,400
- Projected employment in 2035: 26,500
- Median annual wage (2025): $49,280
- Telephone operators
- Expected decline: -27.6%
- Employment in 2025: 3,500
- Projected employment in 2035: 2,500
- Median annual wage (2025): $41,740
- Switchboard operators
- Expected decline: -26.0%
- Employment in 2025: 35,400
- Projected employment in 2035: 26,200
- Median annual wage (2025): $38,630
- Data entry keyers
- Expected decline: -25.5%
- Employment in 2025: 131,800
- Projected employment in 2035: 98,200
- Median annual wage (2025): $41,340
- Foundry mold and coremakers
- Expected decline: -23.0%
- Employment in 2025: 12,700
- Projected employment in 2035: 9,800
- Median annual wage (2025): $48,110
- Patternmakers, metal and plastic
- Expected decline: -22.8%
- Employment in 2025: 1,500
- Projected employment in 2035: 1,100
- Median annual wage (2025): $58,000
- Telemarketers
- Expected decline: -21.4%
- Employment in 2025: 60,900
- Projected employment in 2035: 47,800
- Median annual wage (2025): $35,450
- Grinding and polishing workers, hand
- Expected decline: -19.2%
- Employment in 2025: 10,800
- Projected employment in 2035: 8,700
- Median annual wage (2025): $42,660
- Roof bolters, mining
- Expected decline: -18.9%
- Employment in 2025: 2,200
- Projected employment in 2035: 1,800
- Median annual wage (2025): $78,540
- Cutters and trimmers, hand
- Expected decline: -18.9%
- Employment in 2025: 5,900
- Projected employment in 2035: 4,800
- Median annual wage (2025): $38,020
Projected Largest Employment Losses
In terms of sheer numbers, certain occupations are expected to lose the most total employees. Cashiers, for instance, will see a 6.5% decline, but because of the high number of existing positions, this translates to 200,600 fewer jobs by 2035, as outlined in Labor Department statistics.
- Cashiers
- Total expected employment change: -200,600 jobs
- Office clerks
- Total expected employment change: -156,200 jobs
- Customer service representatives
- Total expected employment change: -141,800 jobs
- Secretaries and administrative assistants
- Total expected employment change: -114,100 jobs
- Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks
- Total expected employment change: -85,600 jobs
- Shipping, receiving and inventory clerks
- Total expected employment change: -62,800 jobs
- First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
- Total expected employment change: -52,500
- Tellers
- Total expected employment change: -44,700
- Data entry keyers
- Total expected employment change: -33,600
- Correctional officers and jailers
- Total expected employment change: -29,500
Industries Set for Growth
On a brighter note, sectors in power, technology, and healthcare are projected to expand by 2035, driven by factors such as an aging population and increased energy needs. Healthcare and social assistance are expected to lead in job creation, offering promising prospects for healthcare workers, data scientists, and renewable energy technicians. This growth is detailed in the BLS data.
- Healthcare support
- Healthcare practitioners and technicians
- Life, physical and social science
- Community and social service
- Computer and mathematical
Jobs Expected to See the Most Growth
Between 2025 and 2035, the following occupations are anticipated to experience significant employment gains, as outlined in the BLS projections.
- Nurse practitioners
- Solar photovoltaic installers
- Data scientists
- Wind turbine service technicians
- Medical and health service managers
Original Story at www.usatoday.com