Sam Altman Predicts These Jobs Will Disappear First to AI

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warns customer service and routine programming roles are most at risk, while human-centric jobs remain safer.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently spoke on The Tucker Carlson Show, sharing his perspective on how AI could reshape the job market. He expressed confidence that certain positions, particularly customer service roles, are among the first to be replaced by AI.

“I’m confident that a lot of current customer support that happens over a phone or computer, those people will lose their jobs, and that’ll be better done by an AI,” Altman said.

He also mentioned programmers as potentially next, especially for routine coding tasks. Altman described the coming shift as a “punctuated equilibria moment”, suggesting changes could occur rapidly.

Jobs Most at Risk According to Altman

• Customer service/support agents (phone or computer-based)

• Programmers/software engineers (routine coding tasks)

Jobs Likely to Remain Safe

• Care roles requiring human empathy (nursing, healthcare)

• Roles demanding emotional reassurance or connection

Altman explained that repetitive tasks in customer support follow predictable scripts that AI can handle efficiently. While routine coding may also be automated, tasks requiring creativity, judgment, or complex problem-solving are less likely to disappear.

Implications for Job Seekers and Students

1. Focus on human-centric skills: Empathy, ethics, and judgment will remain valuable.

2. Broaden your skillset: Programmers and tech professionals should emphasize non-routine problem solving, design thinking, and UX skills.

3. Stay adaptable: Continuous learning, hybrid roles, and AI collaboration will make workers more resilient.

Industry note: Not all predictions are certain. Analysts caution that fully replacing human agents is challenging, and some planned workforce reductions may be scaled back by 2027.

Bottom Line

Sam Altman’s warning isn’t alarmist but a signal for strategic career planning. Jobs that rely on human warmth, emotional intelligence, and creativity are less vulnerable, while repetitive roles face pressure. For students, professionals, and policymakers, the key takeaway is clear: build skills AI cannot replicate.