AI has a high chance of replacing many professions, according to a new Microsoft report.

Researchers from Microsoft examined an anonymous dataset of 200,000 interactions between U.S. users and their Copilot chatbot over nine months last year, and the findings were released in a study recently.

The study indicated that interpreters and translators are the professions most at risk of being supplanted by AI. AI excels in translation tasks, and many applications are available in the market, with popular options from Google (capable of generating translated AI voiceovers) and Amazon (offering real-time translation in 164 languages).

Historians were identified as the next profession likely to be overtaken by AI. The researchers highlighted that sourcing information, including historical data, is a task AI accomplishes effectively. Copilot users engaged the chatbot with prompts related to researching historical or social topics and verifying material accuracy.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) programmers, responsible for creating the code directing CNC machines to perform tasks like cutting, drilling, or milling, were also on the list. AI is streamlining CNC programming by automating the process, improving efficiency with quicker production and minimized waste.

The study also pointed to professions where AI usage is minimal. Nursing assistants and massage therapists were included in this category because their work involves direct, in-person interaction. Other jobs remain safe from AI due to the necessity of operating or overseeing machinery, such as truck and tractor operators, or manual roles like dishwashers and roofers.

Copilot lets users rate its responses with thumbs-up or thumbs-down feedback. Researchers used this feedback to develop an AI applicability score, assessing how effectively AI can perform or support various work activities. More thumbs-up feedback indicates higher user satisfaction and a greater likelihood of AI taking over the task. Employment statistics were sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Here’s a list of the top 10 professions most likely to be impacted by AI, based on the overlap between their duties and what AI can currently do.

1. Interpreters and translators

AI Applicability Score: 0.49

Employment: 51,560

2. Historians

AI Applicability Score: 0.48

Employment: 3,040

3. Passenger attendants

AI Applicability Score: 0.47

Employment: 20,190

4. Sales representatives

AI Applicability Score: 0.46

Employment: 1,142,020

5. Writers and authors

AI Applicability Score: 0.45

Employment: 49,450

6. Customer service representatives

AI Applicability Score: 0.44

Employment: 2,858,710

7. CNC tool programmers

AI Applicability Score: 0.44

Employment: 28,030

8. Telephone operators

AI Applicability Score: 0.42

Employment: 4,600

9. Ticket agents and travel clerks

AI Applicability Score: 0.41

Employment: 119,270

10. Broadcast announcers and radio DJs

AI Applicability Score: 0.41

Employment: 25,070

For a full list, check out the study here.

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