Will AI replace your job? New study reveals the industries most at risk

New research has found that the professional, scientific, and technical services industry is the sector most likely to shrink due to AI adoption, with an overall index score of 79.69.

A new study by data collection experts SOAX, has analyzed the latest data on the industries most affected by AI in the workplace from the Pew Research Center, and compared this with figures surrounding the percentage change in workers within each industry, to predict the most likely sectors to shrink due to AI adoption in 2025. The results were then weighted, and an index out of 100 was created, with the industries most likely to shrink scoring highest.

The professional, scientific, and technical services sector leads the pack, with an overall score of 79.69. From automating data analysis to enhancing research capabilities, AI is streamlining operations and driving innovation among many sub-sectors within this industry. Although the sector is predicted to lose over half its workforce because of AI, the 1.87% workforce growth between 2022-2023 offers hope for workers, and highlights the sector’s flexibility to integrate with AI whilst simultaneously creating new job opportunities.

The information sector ranks second, with an overall index score of 74.50. This sector has seen a gradual reliance on AI to automate tasks such as content generation and data processing. Despite seeing a workforce reduction, companies continue to rethink workforce strategies to align with technological advancements.

Ranking third is the finance and insurance industry, with an overall index score of 69.41. From AI innovations such as improved fraud detection to personalized financial advice, the sector demonstrates a balance between adopting AI-driven efficiencies and maintaining human expertise, reflected in its 0.57% increase in workers during 2023.

Government agencies rank fourth, with an overall index score of 68.5.  Governments have seen a significant uptake in AI integration over the last few years in areas such as data analysis, public service improvements, and cybersecurity. A 2.03% workforce increase indicates a growing demand for AI-literate personnel to manage and implement these new systems.

Placing fifth is the wholesale trade industry, with an overall index score of 58.84. AI integrations are becoming more commonplace in this industry due to rapidly increasing distribution and easing costs by optimising supply chains and streamlining inventory management.

Real estate and rental and leasing ranks sixth, with an overall index score of 57.96.

The real estate industry has evolved recently, leveraging AI tools to improve analytics and provide virtual property tours. This industry saw a 2.47% increase in the workforce, the highest among all sectors within the top ten – this can be attributed to the ever-present demand to increase face-to-face customer engagement, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Placing seventh is the administrative and support services sector, with an overall index score of 57.86. While this sector was predicted to have a relatively lower percentage of workers affected by AI, its negative workforce growth signals a shift towards automation. AI has proven itself to be massively useful in the sector, especially with routine tasks such as scheduling and data entry.

Durable goods manufacturing and non-durable goods manufacturing place eighth and ninth on the list, with overall index scores of 55.62 and 52.95, respectively.

AI has revolutionized robotics over the last few years, and the manufacturing industry has benefited significantly as a result. Automation and AI-powered production planning are constantly enhancing the speed and efficiency of manufacturing, and future reductions to the workforce remain likely as AI continues to improve year-on-year.

Rounding out the top ten is transportation and warehousing, with an overall index score of 52.81. Both Logistics and fleet management have seen a massive upgrade following the implementation of AI systems, increasing the efficiency of deliveries, and reducing costs. Despite the introduction of AI, the sector saw a 0.47% increase in the workforce – a figure that is likely to remain stable in the near future due to the constant demand for skilled human operators.

Stepan Solovev, CEO and Co-founder of SOAX, said, “This study underscores the profound and transformative impact of AI across various industries, driving efficiency, innovation, and in some cases, workforce reductions.

“It’s clear that the industries that are quick to adapt to the changing landscape of an AI-driven work environment will be positioned to thrive. Reskilling employees and fostering collaboration between human expertise and technological advancements will be key as the economy continues to step into the exciting but uncertain future that AI presents.”