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AI is Pushing Older Workers Out of These Jobs (Are You Next?)

Researchers tracked spikes in workplace exits after the launch of ChatGPT.

By Chris Lewis, CEPF , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Aug. 20, 2026

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Though tech jobs like software development and computer programming were long-touted as the key way for young workers to get ahead financially, the development and widespread adoption of generative AI has called this into question. And contrary to common assumptions, it's not just young or entry-level workers who are being impacted.

Research conducted by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College shows that workers 55 and over in industries more exposed to AI have been leaving the workforce at elevated rates since ChatGPT became available in late 2022.

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AI's impact on tech

Data suggest these workers are not simply retiring early, but may be dealing with AI-related unemployment, and several jobs related to tech are feeling the biggest impacts.

The predicted transition out of work for older computer programmers, for example, was around 25%, while more hands-on jobs like painters seemed to be largely unaffected.

For workers over age 55, the data indicate these careers could see the most job loss.

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Computer programmers

Computer programmers have some of the highest "AI exposure," which researchers rated based on how well AI can perform various tasks related to their daily workflow.

Programmers were 25% more likely to be out of work after the launch of ChatGPT.

Accountants and auditors

Accountants and auditors were another group dealing with high AI exposure. The researchers estimated a 22% increase in exits from the workforce since 2022.

Several careers that deal heavily with numbers and organizing/evaluating data landed on the high AI exposure list, including database architects and data scientists.

Management analysis

Though the job relies heavily on analyzing data and making recommendations based on those numbers, management analysis roles were considered average when it comes to AI exposure.

The increase in workforce exits was estimated to be around 16%.

Maintenance and repair

Maintenance and repair jobs across the board had an estimated 9% increase in workforce exits since the rise of ChatGPT. Though these gigs are often considered more hands-on, maintenance work today can involve machinery and other technology, which could be impacted by automation tools.

These jobs were also considered average when it comes to AI exposure.

Which jobs are least affected?

While the most impacted jobs, according to researchers, had to do with web development and data analysis, the gigs least impacted often involved more manual labor.

Loading operators, painters, orderlies, and nursing/home health aides were all considered very low on the list of AI-exposed jobs.

Researchers estimated that only about 1.5% of painters, which is considered a very low AI exposure job, left the workforce.

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Why are some older workers being pushed out?

The data suggest that older workers in these heavily AI-exposed jobs were more likely to stop working across the board, specifically transitioning to unemployment rather than to early retirement.

The research does not indicate that companies are purposely pushing their older employees out but does suggest that rebuilding around evolving technologies could lead to more veteran workers exiting the workforce, whether they want to or not.

This could create an issue as the age to receive full Social Security benefits continues to creep up and Americans feel the pressure to extend their careers.

Is career longevity impacted?

Many of the jobs now considered AI-exposed used to offer more promise of career longevity, as jobs that require more manual labor can be harder to continue as people get older.

The data suggest that in the post-ChatGPT era, that career longevity advantage is shrinking. However, it does still exist.

Jobs associated with longer careers before ChatGPT still have lower transitions out of work than less exposed jobs; the gap has simply been reduced.

How can 55+ workers prepare?

The good news is that workers over age 50 have been learning and adjusting to evolving tech at higher rates over the past five years, according to a report from LinkedIn and AARP.

The research suggests older workers are closing the AI skills gap faster than many predicted they would. This demographic is now 25% more likely to list technologies like AI as a job skill in their profiles, and more are taking advantage of LinkedIn Learning training tools to keep up.

The willingness to evolve plus the career and leadership experience that workers over 50 often bring to the table could turn the tables when it comes to workforce exits.

Bottom line

While the study's findings show turmoil for certain web development and analysis roles in the years immediately following ChatGPT's release, the news that older workers are shoring up AI skills is a positive sign.

Necessary leadership and communication skills cannot be automated, and adding AI fluency as a skill is a key way for workers further into their careers to remain competitive.

It could even help employees earn extra money through a promotion or new gig as well-paying jobs evolve to require a mix of soft skills and AI expertise.

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