Sam Altman on AI and jobs: Who’s safe and who’s at risk

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has shared his perspective on one of the most urgent debates in today’s digital era: will Artificial Intelligence (AI) take away human jobs? Speaking during a detailed interview on the Tucker Carlson Show, Altman outlined which sectors face the greatest risks, which professions are likely to endure, and how societies can prepare for the rapid transformation ahead.

Customer Support Roles in the Firing Line

Altman was forthright about job displacement in some industries, especially customer support. He predicted that many roles currently handled by humans over the phone or online will soon be fully automated.

“I’m confident that a lot of current customer support that happens over a phone or computer, those people will lose their jobs, and that will be better done by an AI,” he said.

AI chatbots and virtual assistants have already begun replacing human agents in many businesses, and Altman’s comments reinforce predictions that these positions may diminish rapidly in the coming years.

The Uncertain Outlook for Programmers

When it comes to computer programmers, Altman offered a more nuanced view. While some believe AI could eventually replace coding jobs, he argued that AI tools are transforming developers into more productive and valuable professionals rather than rendering them obsolete.

“What it means to be a computer programmer today is very different than what it meant two years ago,” Altman explained. “You’re able to use these AI tools to just be hugely more productive, but it’s still a person there… and it turns out that the world wanted so much more software than the world previously had capacity to create.”

This suggests that instead of eliminating coding roles, AI may shift the focus of programming, allowing humans to work on more complex, creative, and large-scale projects.

Which Jobs Are Safe From AI?

Altman identified nursing as a profession that will be difficult to automate. He emphasized that no matter how advanced AI becomes, the need for genuine human connection in healthcare cannot be replicated.

“A job that I’m confident will not be that impacted is like nurses. I think people really want the deep human connection with a person in that time and no matter how good the advice of the AI is… you will really want that.”

Beyond healthcare, other experts have pointed to teaching, specialized medical care, and human-centered professions as areas where empathy and trust are irreplaceable.

A Rapidly Changing Job Market

Altman reflected on historical labour patterns, noting that nearly half of all jobs typically change significantly every 75 years. However, he believes AI will accelerate this cycle dramatically.

“My controversial take would be that this is going to be like a punctuated equilibrium moment where a lot of that will happen in a short period of time,” he said.

While some jobs will vanish, Altman stressed that entirely new professions will also emerge — roles we cannot yet predict, much like how technologies such as ChatGPT were unimaginable two decades ago.

Preparing for the AI Era

Experts agree that adaptation will be critical. Education systems, businesses, and governments must prepare workers to reskill, retrain, and integrate AI into their daily roles.

In the United Arab Emirates, for example, AI education has already been added to public school curricula starting in the 2025–2026 academic year. From kindergarten through Grade 12, students will learn AI concepts, practical uses, and the ethical issues surrounding the technology.

A joint report by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) recently listed professions considered most secure in an AI-driven economy. These include AI and machine learning specialists, robotics engineers, nurses, teachers, and doctors.

By contrast, the report identified customer support agents, telemarketers, and bank tellers as some of the most vulnerable to displacement — aligning closely with Altman’s predictions.

Conclusion

Altman’s remarks underline both the opportunities and challenges of the AI revolution. While certain roles, especially those involving repetitive digital tasks, are likely to disappear, new forms of work will emerge, and human-centered professions will remain vital. The coming years may bring disruption at an unprecedented pace, but with the right preparation, societies can turn this moment into a chance for reinvention.