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AI Automation Could Replace 300 Million Jobs, Skilled Trades Remain Safe

Automation

Business Honor
06 November, 2025

Goldman Sachs warns knowledge-based roles most at risk, while plumbers, electricians stay protected

Goldman Sachs has estimated that automation may replace the work of 300 million people globally, even though not all industries have witnessed equal impacts due to the accelerated pace of AI adoption. According to a study by the bank, the jobs most vulnerable to automation in AI are mostly knowledge-based and clerical in nature, but hands-on trade work like plumbing and electrical services remains relatively insulated and could end up becoming more lucrative.

Goldman Sachs economists Joseph Briggs and Sarah Dong estimate that 6 to 7% of the US workforce might be impacted by the broad diffusion of AI, but they don't expect this impact to be permanent. While reports of AI-related layoffs have generated concerns, the report says, "We remain skeptical that AI will lead to large employment reductions over the next decade." The first signs of AI-driven disruption are already here, hitting jobs in marketing consulting, graphic design, office administration, and call centers, among others. Tech-sector employment growth has also slowed, affecting younger tech workers. Computer programmers, accountants, legal and administrative assistants, customer service representatives, telemarketers, proofreaders, copy editors, and credit analysts are among the jobs for which risk is especially high.

Jobs that would not likely be heavily impacted by AI would include air traffic controllers, radiologists, pharmacists, photographers, clergy, and executives. Skilled trades will continue to be in high demand, especially plumbers and electricians, and will likely offer higher wages and job security. The report highlights that, only about 2.5% of US employment is at risk under currently available applications of AI, with more general disruption dependent on the speed at which employers adopt automation technologies. As AI continues to reshape the workforce, employees in vulnerable sectors may be required to upskill and reskill while the value of manual and trade skills becomes increasingly evident.