Microsoft Identifies 40 Jobs at Risk from AI in 2026

As 2026 begins, one of the most debated topics in the workplace is the growing impact of artificial intelligence on jobs. Industry leaders, including Geoffrey Hinton — often called the “Godfather of AI” — and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, have already warned that AI will reshape employment this year.

In line with these concerns, Microsoft has published a list of 40 occupations most vulnerable to AI disruption. The study analyzed over 200,000 real‑world interactions with its Copilot AI chatbot to determine where generative AI is already proving effective and which roles could be most affected.

The ranking is based on an “AI applicability score,” measuring how well AI can perform the core tasks of each profession. Jobs that rely heavily on language, information processing, and analytical skills are at the highest risk.

Roles Highlighted as Vulnerable

• Interpreters and Translators

• Historians

• Passenger Attendants

• Sales Representatives (Services)

• Writers and Authors

• Customer Service Representatives

• CNC Tool Programmers

• Telephone Operators

• Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks

• Broadcast Announcers and Radio DJs

• Brokerage Clerks

• Farm and Home Management Educators

• Telemarketers

• Concierges

• Political Scientists

• News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

• Mathematicians

• Technical Writers

• Proofreaders and Copy Markers

• Hosts and Hostesses

• Editors

• Business Teachers (Postsecondary)

• Public Relations Specialists

• Demonstrators and Product Promoters

• Advertising Sales Agents

• New Accounts Clerks

• Statistical Assistants

• Counter and Rental Clerks

• Data Scientists

• Personal Financial Advisors

• Archivists

• Economics Teachers (Postsecondary)

• Web Developers

• Management Analysts

• Geographers

• Models

• Market Research Analysts

• Public Safety Telecommunicators

• Switchboard Operators

• Library Science Teachers (Postsecondary)

The findings underline how AI is increasingly capable of handling tasks once thought to require human expertise, particularly in communication, analysis, and service‑oriented roles.