which identifies 40 job categories most susceptible to the influence of artificial intelligence and 40 deemed least affected. As noted by Poonam Soni on social media, "> Microsoft just dropped a study showing the 40 jobs most at risk by AI and the 40 most secure." The research, published in late July 2025, is based on an analysis of over 200,000 anonymized conversations between users and Microsoft's Copilot chatbot, providing a detailed outlook on how AI tools are reshaping the global employment landscape.
The study indicates that professions heavily reliant on language, content creation, and repetitive communication tasks show the highest AI applicability. Roles such as journalists, translators, historians, customer support representatives, and data analysts are cited as being significantly impacted. These findings suggest that AI's capabilities in information processing and generation can streamline or automate many core functions within these fields.
Conversely, jobs requiring physical presence, manual dexterity, or a distinct "human touch" are identified as having minimal AI exposure. Professions like massage therapists, builders, roofers, surgeons, and phlebotomists are listed among the 40 least affected. The study underscores that tasks demanding complex physical interaction or direct human care remain largely outside the current scope of current AI automation.
Kiran Tomlinson, a Senior Researcher at Microsoft and lead author of the paper, emphasized that the study focuses on how AI can productively assist or enhance roles, rather than outright replace them. > "Our research shows that AI supports many tasks, particularly those involving research, writing, and communication, but does not indicate it can fully perform any single occupation," Tomlinson stated. Microsoft suggests that AI primarily augments tasks and boosts productivity, necessitating adaptation and upskilling among the workforce.
The findings underscore a broader industry trend towards AI integration and its potential impact on job security and skill requirements. While Microsoft frames AI as a tool for augmentation, critics and other experts have raised concerns about potential job displacement as companies seek to optimize operations. The study highlights the urgent need for workers to embrace AI tools and develop new digital competencies to navigate the evolving demands of the modern workplace.