Microsoft Study Reveals the Jobs Most Exposed to AI — and the Ones Least Affected
Microsoft Study Reveals the Jobs Most Exposed to AI — and the Ones Least Affected
Published: October 2025
By: Arcon Recruitment
🧠 Generative AI and the Changing World of Work
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming workplaces across every industry — from customer service to construction. A new study by Microsoft researchers, based on real-world Bing Copilot usage, has revealed which jobs are most exposed to AI and which are least likely to be affected.
The research, titled “Working with AI: Measuring the Applicability of Generative AI to Occupations”, analysed over 200,000 anonymised AI interactions to determine how much AI overlaps with the tasks performed in different roles.
💡 What Does “AI Exposure” Mean?
“AI exposure” doesn’t mean replacement. Instead, it measures how much of a job’s daily work could be supported or enhanced by AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or other generative AI systems.
Jobs that rely on writing, communication, data analysis, or digital interaction tend to be more affected, while hands-on, physical, or mechanical roles show minimal overlap.
🧾 Top 10 Jobs Least Affected by AI
According to Microsoft’s findings, these occupations rely heavily on manual skill, mechanical work, and situational awareness — areas where AI has limited reach.
-
Dredge Operators
-
Bridge and Lock Tenders
-
Water Treatment Plant and System Operators
-
Foundry Mold and Coremakers
-
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
-
Pile Driver Operators
-
Floor Sanders and Finishers
-
Orderlies
-
Motorboat Operators
-
Logging Equipment Operators
💻 Top 40 Jobs Most Exposed to AI
These roles are highly connected to digital tools, written communication, and data management, where AI already plays a significant support role.
-
Interpreters and Translators
-
Historians
-
Passenger Attendants
-
Sales Representatives (Services)
-
Writers and Authors
-
Customer Service Representatives
-
CNC Tool Programmers
-
Telephone Operators
-
Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
-
Broadcast Announcers and Radio DJs
-
Brokerage Clerks
-
Farm and Home Management Educators
-
Telemarketers
-
Concierges
-
Political Scientists
-
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
-
Mathematicians
-
Technical Writers
-
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
-
Hosts and Hostesses
-
Editors
-
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
-
Public Relations Specialists
-
Demonstrators and Product Promoters
-
Advertising Sales Agents
-
New Accounts Clerks
-
Statistical Assistants
-
Counter and Rental Clerks
-
Data Scientists
-
Personal Financial Advisors
-
Archivists
-
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
-
Web Developers
-
Management Analysts
-
Geographers
-
Models
-
Market Research Analysts
-
Public Safety Telecommunicators
-
Switchboard Operators
-
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
⚖️ What This Means for the Irish Workforce
While this study is based on U.S. data, the implications are global. In Ireland, finance, administration, and technology sectors are seeing the fastest integration of AI tools. However, construction, healthcare support, and skilled trades remain largely resistant to automation — for now.
Employers and employees alike can expect to see AI as a partner rather than a replacement in the coming years. Upskilling in digital literacy, AI collaboration, and data management will be key to staying competitive.
📚 Key Takeaways
-
High AI exposure = potential for automation or support, not job loss.
-
Low AI exposure = manual, on-site, or machinery-based work remains human-driven.
-
Upskilling in AI-related tools can increase career resilience and opportunity.
🏢 About Arcon Recruitment
At Arcon Recruitment, based in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, we help professionals across Ireland find the right opportunities in a rapidly evolving job market. Whether you work in finance, construction, administration, or technology, our team can guide you toward your next career move.
📞 Contact us today or explore our latest job listings across the West of Ireland.
