Business & Tech

Nearly 1 in 3 Austin Jobs Threatened By Automation

Researchers studied 170 most at-risk occupations based on their probability of being replaced by machines, robots and automation.

Researchers studied 170 most at-risk occupations based on their probability of being replaced by machines, robots and automation.
Researchers studied 170 most at-risk occupations based on their probability of being replaced by machines, robots and automation. (Autumn Johnson/Patch)

AUSTIN, TX — A newly released study shows Austin is among the nation's most vulnerable cities in terms of its jobs being taken over by automation, with more than 29 percent of its total workforce at risk.

Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the University of Oxford's study on "The Future of Employment," researchers at Kempler Industriesidentified the 170 most at-risk occupations based on their probability of being replaced by machines, robots and automation. From there, analysts determined how many potential jobs across America's workforce and communities are in jeopardy.

The upshot: Austin is the 13th most vulnerable metro area in the country for this automation takeover, with 29.1 percent of its total workforce at risk. The five occupations that could see the greatest potential losses in Austin include:

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  • Retail salespersons: 33,150.
  • Food prep & servers: 31,220.
  • Office clerks: 27,030.
  • Waiters/Waitresses: 21,460.
  • Cashiers: 21,010.

The full study and methodology can be found at the Kempler Industries website.

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