Microsoft researchers have identified 40 occupations [PDF] with the highest exposure to AI, ranking jobs by how closely their tasks align with AI's current capabilities. The study analyzed 200,000 real-world conversations from Copilot users and compared AI performance against occupational data. Interpreters and translators top the list, followed by historians and passenger attendants. Customer service and sales representatives, comprising about 5 million U.S. jobs, also face significant AI competition. Knowledge workers performing computer, math, or administrative tasks showed high vulnerability, as did sales positions involving information sharing and explanation. The research found occupations requiring Bachelor's degrees demonstrate higher AI applicability than those with lower educational requirements. First, the top 10 least affected occupations by generative AI: 1. Dredge Operators2. Bridge and Lock Tenders3. Water Treatment Plant and System Operators4. Foundry Mold and Coremakers5. Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators6. Pile Driver Operators7. Floor Sanders and Finishers8. Orderlies9. Motorboat Operators10. Logging Equipment Operators Now, the top 40 most affected occupations by generative AI:1. Interpreters and Translators2. Historians3. Passenger Attendants4. Sales Representatives of Services5. Writers and Authors6. Customer Service Representatives7. CNC Tool Programmers8. Telephone Operators9. Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks10. Broadcast Announcers and Radio DJs11. Brokerage Clerks12. Farm and Home Management Educators13. Telemarketers14. Concierges15. Political Scientists16. News Analysts, Reporters, Journalists17. Mathematicians18. Technical Writers19. Proofreaders and Copy Markers20. Hosts and Hostesses21. Editors22. Business Teachers, Postsecondary23. Public Relations Specialists24. Demonstrators and Product Promoters25. Advertising Sales Agents26. New Accounts Clerks27. Statistical Assistants28. Counter and Rental Clerks29. Data Scientists30. Personal Financial Advisors31. Archivists32. Economics Teachers, Postsecondary33. Web Developers34. Management Analysts35. Geographers36. Models37. Market Research Analysts38. Public Safety Telecommunicators39. Switchboard Operators40. Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary.Read more of this story at Slashdot.