10 High-Paying Jobs That Are Likely To Go Extinct

As automation and artificial intelligence rapidly advance, many jobs are disappearing. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 52% of workers say that they're worried about how AI will be used in the workplace in the future.

Understanding how new trends impact the workplace is crucial for professionals concerned about job stability or those exploring new career paths. Preparing yourself financially for the rapid transformation of the workforce can help you weather the potential storm if impacted.

Based on Indeed's average salary data, below is a list of 10 high-paying jobs that may one day be extinct due to AI and automation.

Average base salary: $63,026

Any type of legal assistant or paralegal is ripe for replacement by automation. Lawyers now have access to a variety of AI-powered platforms to do research, draft legal documents, and manage their cases.

Many repetitive tasks and filings that assistants do can be automated, so expect a contraction in the field. While a human will be required to review the output from AI, it's possible for a machine to do much of the research and analysis.

Average base salary: $65,925

Human resources generalists and specialists manage recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development.

The introduction of AI-powered recruitment and interview tools, along with employee management systems, has streamlined many of these processes, decreasing the reliance on human workers. While face-to-face interaction will still be necessary, many of the basic HR tasks, such as scheduling interviews, reviewing resumes, and processing payroll, are being automated. This could lead to an overall workforce reduction and shift in responsibilities.

Average base salary: $68,401

While written language is complex and multifaceted, editors face real pressure from AI innovation when editing text for grammar, style, and accuracy.

AI tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Jasper can automate most editing tasks now. This means digital publishers are downsizing their editorial staffs, with automated processes taking on much of the work. According to a 2023 report from McKinsey, creative roles face the most immediate chance of being affected by generative AI by 2030.

Average base salary: $76,985

Since so much of this role revolves around detailed analysis of the tax code and financial information and identification of potential tax-saving opportunities, it's ripe for AI automation. From data entry to document generation and basic research, AI models increase tax professionals' efficiency.

While there is still a great demand for tax workers, the looming specter of personalized algorithms that can be deployed to analyze tax information is very real. Like with so many other jobs on this list, AI will initially help augment the job, which could eventually cause companies to hire fewer workers as their overall efficiency stays the same.

Average base salary: $79,424

This job guides businesses and individuals making investment decisions through detailed analysis. However, the rise of AI and machine learning models capable of analyzing financial data has begun encroaching upon traditional analyst roles.

This makes the outlook for this job less than promising, even though some believe the position will remain intact. It's clear, at the very least, that the role will change significantly as AI surpasses human capabilities.

Average base salary: $82,572

Data analysts collect, process, and perform statistical analyses on large datasets to help organizations make informed decisions. They are integral in interpreting and preparing complex data to be presented in an easier-to-digest format. Since AI-powered tools can automate routine tasks such as data cleaning, basic analysis, and visualization, this could free up workers for other tasks.

However, given how precise and fast large language models have become when analyzing data, the future for this type of role appears cloudy. Al models' processing ability and "always-on" features make them very appealing for data analysis.

Average base salary: $85,552

Underwriters play a crucial role in the insurance industry, but much of their work is quickly becoming automated.

While many jobs will continue to require the human interaction and relationship-building aspect of underwriting, advancements in AI technology mean that the analysis and deep thinking that underwriters do could eventually be fully automated. This means fewer productive underwriters for now.

Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment in the field will decline by 4% through 2033.

Average base salary: $92,612

As automated computer code becomes the norm, there will be less demand for human programmers and engineers. Given how quickly AI tooling has advanced in the past three years, much of the engineering work can be automated, which could lead to fewer jobs.

Average base salary: $128,501

Technology has been rapidly improving to the point where certain large-language models can analyze medical imaging, which cuts into the field of radiology. While AI cannot currently do all of the various tasks, its ability to diagnose and read medical images is rapidly improving. At this point, it will at least augment and streamline the job of a radiologist.

Average base salary: $185,550

This job revolves around evaluating, authorizing, and recommending loan application approvals, which is data-intensive and ideal for the use of AI.

Automated loan processing systems and AI-based risk assessment tools have streamlined these tasks, reducing the need for human loan officers. While human oversight may still be necessary, the overall impact of AI will mean fewer positions will be required in the long term.

Rapid technological advancements are transforming the American workforce in many different ways. This is not a fad, either. McKinsey predicts that nearly 12 million Americans will see their jobs replaced by AI and automation by 2030.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how work is done, particularly in fields requiring statistical analysis. This means that getting ahead financially now will require you to proficiently use these digital tools to improve your workflows and productivity.