Study reveals the UK jobs most worried about AI takeover in 2026
- The data shows that mathematicians, lawyers, and data scientists are among the job titles most concerned about being replaced by AI.
- The research analysed national search volume data to determine which jobs have the highest search volumes in relation to AI replacement.
As part of the recent Autumn Budget, Rachel Reeves announced a push toward AI investment. However, this announcement has prompted concern over the potential of companies outsourcing work to AI systems, which places thousands at risk of losing their jobs.
In light of this announcement, a new study has revealed which jobs are the most concerned about AI replacement.
The research team at Bestever, the AI ad generator, analysed the average monthly search volume for key terms relating to the use of AI in certain jobs. Key terms included phrases like ‘AI Lawyer’ and ‘Mathematician replaced by AI.’
The job titles with the highest average search volumes then determined the final ranking.
According to the data, mathematicians are the most concerned about being replaced by AI in the future. The job title has amassed 142,909 average monthly searches regarding the use of AI. The study reveals that ‘AI Mathematician’ is the most popular search term in relation to the job, as more and more people are turning to AI software to solve math puzzles.
A recent survey found that 56% of secondary school students now use AI to solve math questions, with 21% revealing that their math scores improved as a result. While AI has become a powerful tool when it comes to solving quick and simple math-based queries, it’s important to flag that the software can still make mistakes, especially when it comes to complicated and theory-backed inquiries.
While AI is unable to replace the insightful knowledge that mathematicians use every day, the study still reflects on the growing dependence on AI when it comes to solving math-based problems, which can easily be a source of anxiety for many mathematicians.
The research reveals that lawyers are the second-most concerned about being replaced by AI. The job title has 17,975 average monthly searches regarding AI replacement. ‘AI Lawyer’ is one of the most popular search terms in relation to the job, accounting for 17,400 searches alone. ‘Will lawyers be replaced by AI?’ is another recurring query, depicting the rising use of AI in the legal industry.
AI is rapidly transforming the legal industry, with many firms recognizing the transformative potential of using AI to handle client inquiries, provide insightful legal research, and even create templates for legal documents. A 2024 LexisNexis survey of over 1,200 legal professionals revealed that AI usage has more than doubled in recent months.
The survey also highlights how many law firms are now allocating a budget specifically for AI tools. While it’s unlikely that AI will ever be able to replicate the knowledge and interpersonal skills used by lawyers daily, it’s clear that AI is rapidly becoming a crucial tool in the legal profession.
Data scientist is the third-most likely job title to be replaced by AI. The research reveals that the job has amassed 2,981 average monthly searches regarding AI usage. ‘AI Data Scientist’ accounts for 2,182 searches alone, while ‘Will data scientists be replaced by AI’ is another popular inquiry.
In recent years, AI has become a powerful tool in the data science profession, especially when it comes to quickly analysing large data sets, creating computer codes, and building reports.
Thanks to AI’s growing ability to provide quick and insightful data analysis, many professionals have questioned whether the software will replace data scientists in the future. Mark Zuckerberg has even weighed in on how AI will reshape the industry, particularly when it comes to coding. For the time being, it’s clear that AI’s capabilities are being used to enhance the data science industry, rather than replace professionals.
Accountants are the fourth profession most concerned about being replaced by AI. The job title has 2,618 monthly searches in relation to AI replacement. ‘Will AI replace accountants’ is the leading search term in relation to the job, accounting for 1,387 online searches each month. ‘AI Accountant’ and ‘Accountant replaced by AI’ are other popular search terms, highlighting accountants’ growing concern over the rise of AI.
Recent reports have depicted how AI is reshaping the accountancy industry, especially when it comes to automating repetitive tasks and quickly flagging any issues. A recent survey by Stanford Business has found that accountants who regularly use AI are more likely to succeed professionally. The software is shown to be incredibly useful when it comes to multitasking, allowing AI to focus on repetitive admin work while accountants can work on higher-value tasks.
The survey reveals that accountants who use AI support more clients per week and finalize monthly statements 7.5 days faster than those who use traditional methods. Accountants who regularly use AI also spend 8.5% less time on routine back-office processing, according to the study. While human skill is still essential in accountancy, the research reveals how AI is transforming the industry to increase productivity.
The top 10 jobs most likely to be replaced by AI:
Architects are in fifth place, amassing a search volume of 2,582 for terms relating to AI replacement. The data reveals that ‘AI Architect’ is the leading search term in relation to the job, depicting AI’s growing role in the industry.
While it’s unlikely that AI could ever replace the human skill involved in architecture, the software is becoming increasingly relied on for small tasks. Yale School of Architecture’s Phillip Bernstein, an expert on the technology’s influence on the field, described in an interview how AI software is commonly used to draft proposals and analyse a design’s compliance with building codes.
Statisticians are the sixth-most concerned about being replaced by AI. The data reveals that the job role has amassed an average monthly search volume of 2,409 when it comes to AI replacement. ‘AI Statistician’ is the most recurring search term in relation to the job role, highlighting the growing dependence on AI when it comes to data analysis.
As seen via the data scientist profession, AI is becoming heavily relied upon when it comes to analysing large data sets. However, the software is unable to individually decide what to measure or how to structure an experiment to avoid bias. This means that while AI can evolve the work of statisticians, human skill is still required to provide valid insights.
Like data scientists, web developers are also concerned about being replaced by AI. The study reveals that the job title amasses 2,009 online searches each month regarding AI replacement. ‘AI Web Developer’ and ‘Will web developers be replaced by AI’ are both leading search terms in relation to the industry.
AI software has completely transformed the work of web developers, particularly when it comes to coding and debugging tasks. This has created a concern that entry-level coding tasks will shrink due to the growing capabilities of AI. In the future, it’s widely assumed that web developers will be expected to work alongside AI to enhance their work and productivity.
Financial advisors are in eighth place, with a total of 1,955 online searches regarding AI replacement. The study found that ‘AI Financial Advisor’ is one of the leading search terms in relation to the job, demonstrating how AI software is being frequently used to solve financial-based queries.
While AI can often provide insightful answers to simple financial questions, the software will be unable to replicate the interpersonal skills required in the role. AI systems are also prone to making mistakes, something that poses a higher risk regarding financial planning.
Receptionists are the ninth-most concerned about being replaced by AI, with a total of 1,864 searches per month. ‘AI Receptionist’ is one of the most frequently searched for terms, sparking debates over whether AI can replace traditional and practical skills.
It’s becoming increasingly common for companies to build AI systems for customer-service roles, as seen via the rise in chatbots. AI is now being used to take over the repetitive admin-based jobs of receptionists, with AI-powered phone systems even being used to answer frequently asked questions from customers. However, as AI lacks the interpersonal skills often associated with receptionists, it’s thought that the software will instead enhance the work of receptionists, rather than replacing the job entirely.
Interestingly, pilots are also facing concerns over being replaced by AI. The job title has 1,662 searches in relation to AI usage and replacement. Popular search terms include ‘AI Pilot’ and ‘Will AI replace pilots?’ AI is also making a mark in aviation advances, particularly when it comes to revolutionising aircraft maintenance by detecting early signs of wear. While AI is unable to replace the work of pilots, it’s clear that the software is already making an impact in the industry.
Other job titles that are worried about the rise of AI include psychologists, dentists, and radiologists.
Meanwhile, the jobs that are the least concerned about AI mainly require practical and traditional skills. Some of the lowest-ranking jobs in the study include teachers, chefs, healthcare providers, and truck drivers.
Apoorva Govind, the founder and CEO at Bestever, commented:
“It’s fascinating to see which jobs are facing the most concerns over AI’s rising influence in the workforce. Many jobs that are most concerned about AI’s potential takeover heavily revolve around math, data, and finance. However, the data also demonstrates how the role of AI is becoming a rising concern in creative industries, especially acting.
“Although it’s undeniable that AI can boost the productivity of workers in certain industries, the software simply cannot replace the interpersonal skills and in-depth knowledge required by many of these professions, especially the fundamental human qualities needed for a successful acting career. This study highlights how AI should be incorporated into the workforce as a collaborator, not as a potential competitor.”
This information was provided by the research team at Bestever.
