Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AI exposure scores, employment projections, and how to interpret workforce data.
What is an AI exposure score?
The AI exposure score (0–100%) represents the estimated proportion of an occupation's task content that is susceptible to current and near-term AI automation or augmentation. It is calculated by evaluating each occupation's documented tasks (from O*NET) against criteria for AI automability: routine data processing, pattern recognition, rule-based decision making, and predictable physical actions.
Does a high AI exposure score mean the job will disappear?
Not necessarily. AI exposure measures task content susceptibility — not the probability of job loss. Many high-exposure occupations are growing in employment because of other economic factors. AI often augments workers (making them more productive) rather than fully replacing them. The score identifies which roles face the most structural pressure from AI technology.
Where do the employment projections come from?
Employment projections come directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Projections program for 2024–2034. The BLS publishes these every two years, covering 832 occupations across the US economy.
Where does the task data come from?
Task data comes from O*NET Database 30.0 — the US Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network. O*NET documents the tasks, skills, knowledge, and abilities required for hundreds of occupations, with importance and relevance ratings from employer surveys.
What do the employment projection numbers mean?
BLS employment projections show the projected employment level in 2024 (base year) and 2034 (projection year), the numerical change, and the percentage change over the 10-year period. A positive percentage means the occupation is expected to grow; a negative percentage means it is expected to decline. These are projections, not guarantees.
How current is the data?
Employment projections reflect the BLS 2024–2034 projection cycle released in 2024. O*NET data comes from Database 30.0. BLS publishes new projections every two years; O*NET is updated continuously. We update our database when significant new data is released.
Can I use this to make career decisions?
PlainWorkforce provides data for informational purposes only and does not provide career, financial, or employment advice. AI exposure scores and employment projections are analytical tools that can inform career thinking, but career decisions depend on individual skills, location, industry sector, and many other personal factors. Consult career counselors, industry professionals, and the primary government datasets directly before making significant career changes.
Why does my occupation have a very different exposure score than I expected?
AI exposure scores are based on the official task descriptions in O*NET. If your actual day-to-day work involves significant tasks not captured in O*NET, or if your industry has adopted AI in non-standard ways, the score may not fully reflect your situation. O*NET task descriptions represent typical occupational profiles, not individual job variations.