Most AI-Exposed Workers Could Pivot, but Millions May Struggle to Find New Roles

A Brookings Institution study for the National Bureau of Economic Research finds that among 37.1 million U.S. workers in high AI-exposure occupations, about 26.5 million have above-median adaptive capacity and are well positioned to find new work if displaced, while roughly 6.1 million face both high AI exposure and low adaptive capacity (mostly in clerical/administrative roles, about 86% of whom are women). Outcomes vary by location, with university towns and Mountain West/Midwest midsize cities hardest; workers in web development, marketing, and IT in large markets tend to adapt better and shift to new roles. The study aims to guide policymakers in targeting support to those most at risk.