Based on the “Future of Jobs Report 2025 from the World Economic Forum 2025” the following are the 10 largest declining job roles in absolute numbers projected between 2025 and 2030:

1. Building Caretakers, Cleaners and Housekeepers
2. Administrative Assistants and Executive Secretaries
3. Transportation Attendants and Conductors
4. Bank Tellers and Related Clerks
5. Printing and Related Trades Workers
6. Business Services and Administration Managers
7. Accounting, Bookkeeping and Payroll Clerks
8. Graphic Designers
9. Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
10. Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

In general, Clerical and Secretarial Workers are expected to see the largest decline in absolute numbers. The roles projected to be the fastest-declining (in percentage terms) include Postal Service Clerks, Bank Tellers, and Data Entry Clerks.

In 2025, artificial intelligence accelerated its transformation of the global workforce, leading to significant job displacements across various sectors. While AI has created new opportunities, the net effect has been a wave of layoffs and role eliminations, particularly in routine and automatable tasks.

This report draws from recent studies, expert analyses, and real-time discussions to detail how AI “killed” jobs this year, which professions were most impacted, and what the implications are for the future of work. From tech giants cutting staff to broader economic shifts, the data paints a picture of rapid change.

Overview of AI-Driven Job Losses in 2025

Reports indicate that AI directly contributed to tens of thousands of job cuts in 2025, with the tech sector bearing the brunt. For instance, from January to early June, 77,999 tech job losses were explicitly linked to AI adoption. This figure comes amid broader layoffs, where companies like Intel, Microsoft, and Google reduced staff as part of AI-driven efficiency measures. Globally, AI has displaced approximately 2.1 million jobs while creating 1.6 million new ones in tech, data, and AI operations.

In the United States, a Challenger, Gray & Christmas report highlighted that generative AI accounted for over 10,000 job cuts in the first seven months of the year. This represents a growing trend where AI is not just augmenting but replacing human roles. Unemployment rates in AI-exposed occupations, such as computer and mathematical fields, have risen notably between 2022 and 2025. Entry-level positions, especially in white-collar sectors, are particularly vulnerable, with experts like Anthropic’s CEO predicting half of such jobs could vanish within five years.

Discussions on platforms like X reflect public concern, with posts highlighting strikes by creatives against AI displacement and warnings that AI could render millions irrelevant. A Senate report warns that AI and automation could eliminate up to 100 million U.S. jobs over the next decade, spanning from nurses to truck drivers.

Sectors and Specific Jobs Most Affected

AI’s displacement has been uneven, targeting repetitive, data-heavy, or predictable tasks. Here’s a breakdown of key areas hit hard in 2025.

Technology and Software

The tech industry saw massive layoffs, with 89,000 cuts announced, a 36% increase from the previous year. Roles like software engineers, data analysts, and HR staff were automated away. Companies such as Amazon, JPMorgan, and Ford cited AI efficiencies in their reductions. Entry-level corporate roles for recent graduates declined by 15%.

Customer Service and Administrative Roles

Customer service representatives face an 80% automation risk by 2025, with AI chatbots and voice assistants handling queries. Data entry clerks saw 7.5 million jobs eliminated globally by 2027, but significant losses occurred this year. Bookkeeping roles dropped by 37% in small businesses using AI software. Call center agents experienced a 41% drop in openings.

Retail and Manufacturing

Retail cashiers have a 65% automation risk, with self-checkout and AI inventory systems reducing needs. In manufacturing, up to 2 million U.S. jobs are at risk by 2025, though full automation remains costly. Warehouse packing jobs declined by 33%.

Creative and Media Fields

Content moderation jobs fell by 58%, while freelance writing gigs dropped 42% due to AI-generated content. Graphic designers reported a 29% decline in entry-level hiring. Protests by writers, artists, and voice actors intensified, demanding protections against AI tools.

Other Sectors

In healthcare, medical transcriptionists saw 48% displacement from AI transcription. Transportation faces threats, with 1.5 million trucking jobs at risk by 2030. Finance, law, and consulting entry-level roles are being outsourced to AI, potentially spiking unemployment to 10-20%.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

While 14% of workers have already experienced AI displacement, projections vary. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 report estimates 92 million roles displaced by 2030, with a net gain of 78 million jobs. However, Goldman Sachs suggests a 6-7% displacement rate, affecting about 300 million jobs globally. Gender disparities are evident, with more women in exposed roles.

Experts emphasize upskilling and human-AI collaboration to mitigate risks. Governments and companies must invest in retraining, as seen in calls for nuanced policies. In India, 69% of formal employment could be automated by 2030, underscoring global urgency.

Practical Advice for Workers and Creators

To navigate this landscape, focus on non-automatable skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving. Upskill in AI literacy, pursue hybrid roles, and advocate for ethical AI use.

Companies should prioritize reskilling programs, as IKEA did by retraining call center staff as interior designers. For creators, blend AI tools with unique human insights to stand out.

WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf

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