The increasing use of AI technologies has raised concerns about potential job loss and significant changes in the workforce. While these fears are well-founded, it is crucial for employees to adapt and remain flexible to avoid being replaced. According to a report by McKinsey, advanced AI is expected to bring substantial transformations to how people work in the United States by 2030. This could result in around 12 million individuals needing to seek new employment opportunities, with the potential automation of 30% of the country’s work hours.

The study conducted by McKinsey Global Institute states that approximately 11.8 million workers may need to switch to different occupations due to this AI-driven shift. Some individuals might have to enter entirely different industries, while others may find better-paying roles. Conversely, new job opportunities will also emerge. The healthcare sector, for instance, is expected to experience a significant increase in employment, with an estimated 5.5 million more jobs by 2030. Additionally, there will be a growing demand for STEM-related professions due to the increased utilization of AI across various industries.

However, certain job categories, such as office support and customer service, might become less prevalent in the future since AI is proficient at managing tasks. Jobs in the food service industry may also see a reduction, albeit to a lesser extent. These changes could disproportionately affect women and specific groups of people.

The study highlights that AI advancements do not imply the complete disappearance of jobs. Many occupations will endure, but the nature of work will likely undergo significant transformations. Those who retain their positions can anticipate substantial changes in their job responsibilities, with AI expected to perform approximately 30% of their tasks. This increase is attributable to AI technologies like ChatGPT, which possess extensive knowledge and even creative capabilities.

The research suggests that, in the absence of AI, existing technology could handle approximately 22% of the tasks currently performed by humans. The introduction of AI systems like ChatGPT raises this percentage to 30% by enabling capabilities that were previously unattainable.

Furthermore, the study predicts a potential decrease in jobs offering salaries below $38,200, while an increase is expected in positions with salaries ranging from $68,700 and above. Individuals earning lower wages may need to switch jobs more frequently to adapt to these changes.

Read the full report here.