What are the jobs AI won’t be coming for?

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has estimated that over 40% of all jobs in Ireland could be affected by AI adoption in the coming years, either through replacement or transformation. While Ireland is considered moderately prepared for these changes—scoring 0.69 on the IMF’s scale—it lags behind the United States, where AI’s impact on employment is projected to be even more dramatic. Research from Tufts University’s graduate school of global affairs analyzed 784 occupations to assess AI’s potential influence over the next two to five years. The study found that roles in writing, editing, programming, and web development are among the most vulnerable, with more than half of writers, authors, computer programmers, and digital designers at risk of displacement. Even well-paid technical roles, such as systems analysts, are facing early signs of AI disruption. Conversely, jobs in healthcare and construction/trades are expected to remain largely unaffected by AI advancements. However, many of the occupations deemed 'safe'—including hospitality, food service, agriculture, and retail—are lower-paying, leading researchers to note that the 'safe zone' aligns closely with the 'poverty zone.' By sector, information jobs face the highest risk of AI displacement at 18.3%, followed by finance (16.5%), professional services (15.6%), and management roles (14.1%). Healthcare, hospitality, and transportation sectors are projected to experience less than 5% job displacement. The IMF also highlights that Ireland’s exposure to AI-related economic risks is higher than in many other countries, though the country may benefit from strategic adaptation. The report underscores uncertainty about the long-term trajectory of AI’s impact, despite the clear potential for widespread job transformation.