TLDR: A recent report from Bank of America indicates that artificial intelligence is set to profoundly impact the U.S. labor market, with jobs involving repetitive tasks across various sectors, from frontline service to certain knowledge-based professions, facing the highest risk of automation. While AI promises efficiencies and new opportunities, the transition is expected to be challenging.
A new analysis from Bank of America (BofA Global Research and Bank of America Institute), published around September 17-18, 2025, warns of a significant disruption to the U.S. labor market due to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. The report highlights that roles characterized by routine and repetitive tasks, whether cognitive or manual, are most susceptible to automation.
Frontline service positions are identified as particularly vulnerable. Fast food and counter workers, retail salespersons, and cashiers are at the top of the list, with exposure rates exceeding 4%, significantly higher than many other sectors. The report notes that automation is already evident in these areas through self-checkout systems and digital kiosks. Other service-heavy jobs such as customer service representatives, janitors, cleaners, and stock clerks are also expected to see substantial displacement as AI-enabled systems take over scheduling, logistics, and workflow management. In the transportation sector, heavy and tractor-trailer drivers, along with reservation/transportation ticket agents, are flagged due to the progression of autonomous vehicles and smart robotics.
White-collar professions are not immune to this shift. The report lists paralegals, lawyers, loan officers, public relations specialists, tax preparers, telemarketers, computer programmers, interpreters and translators, and even journalists as professions that will face increasing pressure. AI’s capability to analyze legal documents, generate reports, process financial data, and create content suggests a growing impact over time.
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BofA Global Research analysts stated, ‘AI’s ability to automate both routine cognitive and manual tasks puts many jobs at risk.’ They further emphasized that ensuring a fair transition for workers remains a critical challenge. The report acknowledges that while AI will undoubtedly displace some workers, the technology also holds the potential to create efficiencies and open new opportunities. Sectors like manufacturing could benefit from AI-driven assembly, and financial services are already leveraging AI for fraud detection and risk monitoring. AI-based automation can manage resource allocation, freeing up human workers for higher-value tasks. However, the report cautions that this transition will not be seamless, especially in industries where repetition, predictability, and access to large datasets interrelate.
