These are the jobs AI can do best, Microsoft researchers say

Ava Levinson, Inc., 1/30/26

SOURCE: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/these-are-the-jobs-ai-can-do-best-microsoft-researchers-say/ar-AA1UKs5i?ocid=socialshare

A recent report ranks the 40 roles that most closely align with generative AI skills.

Microsoft researchers released a report detailing the top 40 jobs that most align with the capabilities of generative AI. While the researchers said the list isn’t determinant of AI takeover, professionals are labeling the roles the “most at risk” by AI.

The occupations were ranked by applicability score, meaning those at the top overlap the most with AI’s current skillset. Among the highest ranked were translators, historians, and writers, along with customer service and sales representatives. Many in the group involve computer, math, or administrative work.

While people have started speculating about which jobs will be taken over by AI, top executives like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang argue that it doesn’t matter what role an individual has, noted Fortune. 

“Every job will be affected, and immediately. It is unquestionable,” he said at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference in 2025. “You’re not going to lose your job to an AI, but you’re going to lose your job to someone who uses AI.”

Degrees Won’t Stop AI

While many roles traditionally require at least a college-level degree, the certificate is not a protective barrier against AI. In fact, the researchers found that the occupations requiring a Bachelor’s degree ranked higher on the applicability list. 

Still, demand is surging for roles in industries like healthcare, with the largest number of new jobs projected to open in the home health and personal aid sectors, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor.

Study Shortcomings

The study is an educated estimate, but it still doesn’t address every factor necessary in determining AI impact. The researchers’ based their measurements on LLMs, acknowledging that other AI applications could impact a different set of jobs.

“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,” said Kiran Tomlinson, a senior researcher at Microsoft, to Fortune. “As AI adoption accelerates, it’s important that we continue to study and better understand its societal and economic impact.” 

Here are the Top 10 Most Affected Roles by AI, according to the report:

1. Interpreters and translators
2. Historians
3. Passenger attendants
4. Sales representatives of services
5. Writers and authors
6. Customer service representatives
7. CNC tool programmers
8. Telephone operators
9. Ticket agents and travel clerks
10. Broadcast announcers and radio DJs

Here are the Top 10 Least Affected Roles by AI: 

1. Dredge operators
2. Bridge and lock tenders
3. Water treatment plant and system operators
4. Foundry mold and coremakers
5. Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators
6. Pile driver operators
7. Floor sanders and finishers
8. Orderlies
9. Motorboat operators
10. Logging equipment operators