Microsoft Study Reveals Jobs Most Impacted by AI Tools

Microsoft’s research team has released a new study examining which professions are most and least susceptible to the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

The analysis is based on data gathered from 200,000 anonymized interactions between U.S. users and Bing Copilot, Microsoft’s public generative AI system. According to the findings, people most frequently turn to AI for information-gathering and writing-related help. In response, AI is most commonly used for sharing knowledge, drafting content, teaching, and offering advice.

To evaluate the relationship between AI functions and workplace responsibilities, Microsoft introduced an “AI applicability score.” This metric assesses how closely AI capabilities align with the core tasks of various jobs.

The study revealed the 40 roles with the highest AI applicability scores — those most likely to be influenced by AI tools. These include interpreters, historians, writers, sales and customer service representatives, editors, translators, financial advisors, and web developers, among others. These jobs often involve information processing, communication, or content creation — areas where AI currently excels.

Conversely, professions involving physical tasks, direct human interaction, machinery operation, or hands-on work were found to be least affected by AI advancements. The study suggests that in an AI-driven world, skills rooted in human presence, empathy, and physical engagement remain irreplaceable and are growing in importance.