Artificial intelligence is set to significantly alter the nature of work in the U.S., with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) estimating that between 50% and 55% of jobs will be reshaped over the next three years. Matthew Kropp, a BCG managing director, emphasized that while some roles may disappear entirely, many others will evolve, requiring workers to adapt or re-skill.
At the same time, the analysis projects that 10% to 15% of U.S. jobs could be fully replaced by AI within five years. Kropp warned against an indiscriminate approach to job cuts, noting it’s harmful for both society and businesses. Instead, he advocates focusing on how AI can augment workers’ capabilities.
The BCG study examined tasks associated with 1,500 jobs to determine which are most suited for augmentation or replacement by AI. For instance, software engineering is expected to see increased demand as the cost of tasks decreases. Conversely, call center roles may be eliminated due to AI’s ability to handle routine inquiries without a proportional increase in service demand.
Certain professions, like plumbing and therapy, requiring physical presence or interpersonal skills, are unlikely to be significantly impacted by AI. Economists also anticipate that AI will create new job types, though the specifics remain unclear, as seen with the emergence of social media influencer roles following earlier technological advancements.