Jobs at Risk of Automation in the USA: Implications for Community Colleges

Abstract

Advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence and robots are steadily replacing jobs in the USA. Continuous skill-upgrading and re-skilling are critical for workers to remain employable throughout their careers. In these social and economic contexts, community colleges play significant roles to provide workforce education and training because of their open admission, lower tuition, and shorter and more specific occupational programs compared to four-year universities. However, the detailed data of jobs at risk of automation are currently unavailable to inform future community college programs. This study used the national occupation and risk-of-automation data to estimate specific numbers of jobs at risk by industries and age groups. Results showed that approximately 48% of the jobs could be replaced within two decades. Four industries (1) service; (2) sales and office; (3) natural resources, construction, and maintenance; and (4) production, transportation, and material moving were at a particularly higher risk (up to 75%). At the same time, computer, engineering, and health-care occupations had a lower risk (up to 12%). The estimated numbers of jobs at risk inform community colleges’ strategic planning.