People are recognizing the potential artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have to offer, both in their personal and professional lives. As with any emerging technology, certain professions often pay the penalty whenever a new tech reaches the working world. This can lead certain people to lose their jobs or see pay decreases as demand for their skills weakens. While AI isn’t a threat to every tech position, there are certain employees who are clearly at risk. Here are four jobs that are currently the most threatened by AI in the workplace.

1. Tech Support

As chatbots become more sophisticated, customer service representatives and members of tech support teams will likely find new opportunities are harder to find. This is especially true for Tier 1 support personnel as many of these technologies are aiming to replace employees who work in that capacity.

Most Tier 1 support calls involve resolving issues that are fairly straightforward. This often means using repeatable processes, not unlike the verbal call center scripts most people have encountered at some point. Since many of the troubleshooting methods are fairly regimented, creating an AI to walk callers through the tasks required is somewhat simple, meaning people won’t be required to handle these calls in the near future and positions may be eliminated.

2. Programming

While programmers aren’t directly threatened yet, it’s easy to see how this can come to be. AI solutions are already being created with the ability to improvise and “think” creatively. The majority of these efforts have involved technologies competing against people in games like Go, but it isn’t hard to see how these capabilities could soon be expanded into the area of creating and maintaining software applications used prescribed programming approaches.

3. Sysadmins

At least a portion of most sysadmin roles involve maintenance and security-oriented tasks, an easy target for AI technologies. New automated systems are being designed to help support uptime requirements, improve security in real-time, and address performance issues as they arise. While sysadmin positions won’t be entirely eliminated, as there is certainly more to the job than maintenance and security, it may significantly lower demand for these skilled professionals.

4. Advanced Manufacturing

Technology-based disruptions in the manufacturing field certainly aren’t anything new, but another change could be on the horizon thanks to AI. Advanced robotics using AI systems have the ability to replace a larger number of workers and may be especially beneficial in 24/7 environments where shift changes can be hard to manage. Like many of the positions above, AI won’t entirely eliminate the need for competent personnel to be available. However, the number of people required to keep operations on target may lessen, and those looking to stay in the industry may have to update the skills to stay relevant in the updated workplace.

As a leader in tech staffing and recruiting in the DC area, MindFinders understands the impact AI will have in a variety of industries. Whether you are looking to hire new IT professionals or are interested in securing a new position, our skilled team can help you reach your goals.

Written by Tim Booker, President and CEO of MindFinders, with over 20 years of industry experience.