Entry-Level Workers Are Already Losing Jobs to AI (New Data)
Stanford study shows 13% drop in entry-level employment for AI-exposed roles.
I've been tracking AI's workplace impact for months, and most of what you read is educated guessing.
But a new Stanford study just dropped with data on what's happening right now in the US job market.
Entry-level workers in AI-exposed roles have already seen a 13% employment drop, while experienced workers in the same roles stayed stable.
AI isn't coming for everyone equally. It's targeting young workers first.
Here's what the data shows:
- Early-career workers (ages 22-25) are taking the hit. In AI-exposed jobs, these workers saw 13% employment decline vs similar roles in less AI-affected fields.
- Experience is protection (for now). Older workers in those same jobs? No decline. Their expertise still matters.
- Companies are cutting positions, not paychecks. Instead of reducing wages, they're eliminating entry-level headcount where AI handles the work.
- It's not just tech. This pattern holds even excluding tech companies and remote roles.
Why you should care:
The career ladder is breaking. Those entry-level stepping stones into corporate careers are disappearing.
If fewer junior roles exist, where do future senior employees come from?
This creates three immediate challenges:
- Your talent pipeline shrinks. No entry-level roles = no pathway to develop experienced workers.
- Knowledge transfer becomes critical. Senior employees now carry more responsibility for institutional knowledge.
- Old development strategies don't work. "Start at the bottom, work up" fails when AI handles the bottom roles.
What to do:
- Audit entry-level positions for automation risk. Which roles could AI handle in the next 12 months?
- Redesign career paths around AI. Create hybrid roles where juniors work with AI tools (they audit results, add context, handle judgment calls).
- Upskill for AI while prioritizing human strengths. Workers who collaborate with AI, spot mistakes, and think strategically will excel.
Have you noticed AI impacting hiring decisions at your company yet?
Hit reply (or comment below) and share what you're seeing.
