Microsoft researchers ranked 40 jobs most exposed to generative AI, with translators, historians, and writers at highest risk

Microsoft researchers studied 200,000 real-world conversations of Copilot users and cross-compared AI performance with occupational data to rank professions by AI applicability. Interpreters and Translators, Historians, and Passenger Attendants topped the list of roles whose tasks are most closely aligned with current AI abilities.

Jobs requiring a Bachelor's degree showed higher AI applicability than occupations with lower education requirements, according to the report. Roles involving knowledge work—computer, math, administrative work, and sales jobs that require sharing and explaining information—were identified as most exposed.

Jobs with virtually no generative AI exposure include Dredge Operators, Bridge and Lock Tenders, and Water Treatment Plant and System Operators, largely due to their hands-on equipment requirements. The health care sector, particularly home health and personal care aid roles, is expected to create among the greatest number of new jobs over the next decade.