Virginia's best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says

The big picture: In Virginia, the AI workplace revolution isn't on the horizon, it's already here, according to the new Virginia Works report, which focuses on how the technology is likely to affect the state's workforce.

• That's because Virginia businesses are embracing and deploying AI at a higher rate than most other states, per the report, which points to Census data ranking the state fifth in the nation for workplace AI adoption.
• Virginia's high concentration of technology, financial and professional services and government-related jobs is likely what's driving the state's strong workplace AI adoption.
• It's also what makes much of the state's workforce at high risk for "AI exposure."

Caveat: AI exposure doesn't mean jobs lost, the report cautions, but it does mean many of the tasks performed in some of Virginia's most common knowledge-based occupations will likely change with workers doing fewer routine tasks and likely working alongside AI.

What they did: To see how AI is likely to affect the state's workforce, Virginia Works broke down the jobs in the state's biggest industries into occupational tasks.

• They then gave those tasks an AI risk factor.

What they found: AI will have the greatest effect on knowledge-based, white collar jobs — including many of the industries that overlap with Richmond's largest employers — and the least on service-oriented, hands-on and trade jobs.

• That's a change from previous technological changes (see also, computers and the internet) that largely affected service sector and low-paying jobs.
• This tech revolution is most likely to impact well-paying jobs, the report notes — in some cases, jobs that pay around four times more than the average hourly wages.

• For example: In Virginia, management jobs — one of the higher risk fields — pay an average of $73.90 an hour, while groundskeepers and maintenance workers — well-insulated from AI disruption — earn $17.92 an hour, per the report.

Between the lines: The best way Virginians — and the state's universities — can prepare is by focusing on strengthening "human skills," like communication, critical thinking, relationship building and adaptability.

Zoom in: The careers with the highest risk include:

• Mathematicians
• Proofreaders and copy editors
• Correspondence clerks
• Court reporters
• Computer programmers
• Database administrators
• Web developers

Those with the lowest risk:

• Home health and personal care aides
• Nursing assistants
• Restaurant cooks
• Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
• Construction laborers
• Janitors and cleaners
• Maids and housekeeping cleaners

What's next: Virginia Works offers free AI training and Google-backed certificate programs if you'd like to jump start your AI training.