These Alabama jobs face the highest AI exposure, study says – Gadsden Times

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Artificial intelligence could have a significant impact on tens of thousands of Alabama jobs, according to a new analysis from SmartAsset.

The analysis found that about 54,020 Alabama jobs, or 2.56% of the state’s workforce, are in occupations considered highly exposed to potential AI disruption.

Alabama ranked No. 35 among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.

That does not mean 54,020 jobs are expected to disappear. The study measures how concentrated Alabama’s workforce is in occupations where AI could change job duties, hiring demand or wages.

Which Alabama jobs are most exposed to AI?

The occupations identified include:

• Computer programmers
• Software developers
• Web developers
• Database administrators
• Writers
• Proofreaders
• Payroll clerks
• Data entry workers
• Insurance claims processors
• Bookkeeping
• Accounting clerks

Many involve processing information or completing repetitive digital tasks, areas where AI is increasingly being used.

But AI exposure doesn’t necessarily mean a job will be eliminated. In many cases, workers could see their responsibilities change as companies adopt new technology.

Alabama is attracting AI infrastructure

While AI could reshape some Alabama jobs, the technology is also creating demand for new investment.

Alabama has been working to attract data centers, which provide the computing infrastructure needed for artificial intelligence and other digital services.

Meta is investing $1.5 billion in its Montgomery data center, while Google operates a $600 million data center in North Alabama, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce.

Those projects can bring construction activity, investment and other economic benefits. But data centers also require significant electricity and, depending on their cooling systems, water.

That has raised questions about infrastructure, utility costs and how communities should manage the industry’s rapid growth.

What does this mean for Alabama workers?

The SmartAsset analysis does not predict future job losses. It simply identifies occupations with high levels of potential AI exposure.

Alabama’s experience with AI could ultimately include both disruption and opportunity. Some jobs may change or require new skills, while investments in data centers and technology could create demand for workers in other fields.

Where could AI reshape the most jobs?

Which states have the highest concentration of jobs considered most exposed to AI disruptions? Here’s the SmartAnalysis ranking:

1. Washington
2. Virginia
3. District of Columbia
4. California
5. Utah
6. Maryland
7. Colorado
8. New Hampshire
9. Texas
10. North Carolina

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at  jlindahl@usatodayco.com.