Self-checkout at the grocery store, electronic record keeping, even tax preparation. Increasingly, technology is automating tasks previously performed by people. While automation technology has changed some jobs, it has eliminated others entirely.Today’s WatchBlog post looks at our new report about which kinds of workers are most at risk of losing their jobs to automation, and what skills they need to get in-demand jobs.
You can also listen to our podcast with GAO’s Dawn Locke, an expert on workforce training and education, to learn more.
Who is at risk of losing their job to automation?
Workers with lower levels of education and who perform routine tasks—think cashiers or file clerks—face the greatest risks of their jobs being automated. However, automation is likely to have widespread effects. Researchers estimate that anywhere from 9% to 47% of jobs could be automated in the future.
To better understand the scope of automation’s effects, federal agencies are working to gather more data on how automation will affect the workforce. For example, the Department of Labor is planning to gather information from industries such as retail trade, healthcare, and transportation and warehousing to learn more about how automation is affecting jobs.
What are the in-demand skills for in-demand jobs?
Workers impacted by automatio …