Artificial Intelligence and Labour Market Transformation: A Comparative Analysis of Occupation Exposure to AI in Selected Economic Sectors

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming labour markets by redefining work, influencing employment, and shaping skill sets in the modern economy. While AI has been a major driver of productivity and innovation, its impact on jobs has been contradictory and inconsistent across occupations and economic sectors. This study aims to assess the impact of AI on employment by comparing the exposure of occupations to AI across six economic sectors, including manufacturing, information technology, banking and financial services, healthcare, education, and retail. The study employs a descriptive research design by analysing secondary data on occupational exposure to AI from international organizations, including the World Economic Forum, the International Labour Organization, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Stanford AI Index. The study uses descriptive statistics to present comparative information on employment trends, including tables, percentages, bar charts, pie charts, and graphical trends to examine the impact of AI on employment and skills. The study will classify occupations according to their exposure to AI as high, moderate, and low to compare employment opportunities and skills in different economic sectors. The study expects to reveal that AI does not necessarily eliminate jobs but transforms occupations by automating specific processes while creating new opportunities that require analytical, creative, technological, and interpersonal skills. The findings will contribute to the body of research on the economics of AI while providing insights for students, educators, policymakers, and employers in the context of an increasingly automated economy.