25 Jobs AI Will Replace First (2026–2030)

Why 2026 Is a Critical Year for White-Collar Workers

In 2026, layoffs are surging across industries in the United States. AI adoption, automation, cost-cutting, and corporate restructuring are driving millions of employees to lose their jobs, particularly in technology, finance, media, and retail sectors.

AfterLayoff.org is your daily updated hub for tracking layoffs, understanding industry trends, assessing your career risk, and preparing for the next steps in your professional life. This homepage is designed to provide everything you need in one place, whether you are looking for a live layoff tracker, risk analysis, or career transition advice.

How to Use AfterLayoff.org

• Bookmark the homepage — the content is updated daily.

• Check the layoff tracker summary — see which companies are affected across industries.

• Read industry breakdowns — understand trends in technology, finance, retail, healthcare, and media.

• Explore career preparation advice — find tips for surviving layoffs and pivoting to AI-resistant jobs.

• Access resources — from unemployment benefits to resume builders and health insurance options.

Live Layoff Tracker Summary (High-Level)

Our live tracker aggregates verified reports of layoffs across the U.S., including:

• Company Name

• Industry

• Date of Layoff Announcement

• Number of Employees Affected

• Reason for Layoff

Example (summary view):

• Google – Technology – Feb 10, 2026 – 12,000 – AI and restructuring

• Amazon – E-commerce – Feb 12, 2026 – 18,000 – Cost reduction

• Meta – Social Media – Feb 14, 2026 – 11,000 – Efficiency drive

View Full 100+ Company Layoff Tracker →

Technology

The tech sector faces unprecedented disruption as AI and automation replace routine white-collar tasks. Commonly affected roles include:

• Customer support

• Entry-level engineering

• Marketing and sales operations

• Recruitment

High-risk companies: Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Apple, Salesforce, IBM

Analysis: AI-powered tools are making many entry-level and mid-level positions redundant. Companies are pivoting to automation to cut costs while boosting productivity.

See full tech layoffs →

Finance

Finance and banking layoffs are often linked to market volatility, automation of routine processes, and corporate restructuring. Roles most affected:

• Analysts and associate positions

• Junior bankers

• Administrative staff

High-risk companies: Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, Bank of America

Analysis: AI and algorithmic trading are replacing many back-office and entry-level roles. Layoffs are concentrated in corporate banking and administrative operations.

See full finance layoffs →

See full banking layoffs →

Retail

Retail is undergoing significant transformation due to e-commerce growth and warehouse automation. Roles impacted:

• Store clerks and managers

• Inventory specialists

• Customer service teams

High-risk companies: Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, Best Buy

Analysis: Automation in inventory management and AI-powered online fulfillment systems are reducing the need for in-store employees. Retail companies are optimizing labor costs while expanding e-commerce operations.

See full retail layoffs →

Healthcare

Healthcare is relatively safer but still sees layoffs in administrative, billing, and support roles due to automation and hospital cost-cutting.

High-risk companies: CVS Health, UnitedHealth Group, Anthem, Walgreens

Analysis: AI-assisted billing and scheduling tools reduce staffing needs. Front-desk and back-office positions are particularly vulnerable.

See full healthcare layoffs →

Media & Entertainment

Media and content industries are restructuring due to digital transformation, mergers, and AI-driven content creation. Roles affected:

• Editors and reporters

• Production staff

• Administrative support

High-risk companies: Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix

Analysis: Automated content management and AI-assisted editing are replacing repetitive roles. Mergers drive further reductions in staffing.

See full media layoffs →

Logistics & Transportation

Automation and route optimization software are driving layoffs in logistics and transportation. Roles impacted:

• Drivers (partially replaced by route optimization)

• Warehouse staff

• Administrative operations

High-risk companies: FedEx, UPS, Lyft, Uber

Analysis: AI-driven routing, automated sorting systems, and robotics in warehouses are reducing the need for human labor in logistics.

See full logistics layoffs →

Hospitality & Travel

AI and digital booking platforms are cutting back on customer support and administrative roles.

High-risk companies: Airbnb, Expedia, Marriott, Hilton

Analysis: Automation of booking, check-in, and support functions reduces workforce requirements. Corporate and regional roles are primarily affected.

See full hospitality layoffs →

Energy & Utilities

AI is rapidly transforming the energy sector, eliminating many high-paying white-collar roles once considered stable and essential. Roles include:

1. Energy traders

2. Grid operators

3. Energy analysts

4. Oil and gas analysts

5. Power market analysts

6. Energy schedulers

7. Risk management analysts

High-risk companies: ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP, NextEra Energy, Duke Energy, Siemens Energy, GE, Vernova

Analysis: These companies are deploying AI to automate energy trading decisions, infrastructure monitoring, predictive maintenance, grid optimization, demand forecasting, and risk analysis.

See full energy layoffs →

Government (Federal, State & Public Sector)

Government agencies face pressure to reduce spending and improve efficiency. Payroll is often the largest expense, making workforce reductions a primary method for cost savings. Roles include:

1. Administrative staff

2. IT personnel

3. Customer service roles

4. Operational departments

High-risk agencies: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Labor, U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

Analysis: Government agencies historically employed large administrative staffs to handle paperwork, data entry, and processing. Today, AI systems can perform these tasks faster and more accurately.

See full government layoffs →

Layoff Risk Score by Industry

Industry & Risk Level

Technology: Very High

Finance: High

Retail: High

Media & Entertainment: High

Healthcare: Low

Government: Very Low

Energy: High

Use this score to evaluate your career exposure and take proactive measures.

Learn how to assess your personal risk →

Timeline of Layoffs: 2024–2035 Forecast

• 2024–2026: Initial wave of AI automation and early layoffs in tech and finance

• 2026–2030: Broader layoffs across multiple sectors, including retail, logistics, and media

• 2030–2035: Widespread automation reduces routine white-collar jobs; highly specialized roles remain

Warning Signs of Upcoming Layoffs

• Hiring freezes

• Budget cuts and downsizing

• Declining department activity

• Reduced internship or entry-level programs

• Executive restructuring or company mergers

Detecting these early allows employees to plan career pivots and financial strategies.

Career Preparation & Pivot Strategies

Immediate steps if at risk or affected:

1. Apply for unemployment benefits promptly

2. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile

3. Review health insurance options (COBRA, ACA, Medicaid)

4. Reduce non-essential expenses

5. Network aggressively for new opportunities

Long-term strategies:

• Pivot into AI-resistant industries (healthcare, skilled trades, government, creative fields)

• Learn high-demand skills: cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital marketing

• Consider consulting, freelancing, or entrepreneurship

• Stay informed about industry trends and AI adoption

Full career resources →

Layoffs Create Opportunities

While layoffs are disruptive, they also open doors:

• Talent availability in growing industries

• Competitive salaries for scarce skills

• Opportunity for career change or entrepreneurship

Smart professionals use layoffs as a pivot point to accelerate career growth.

Psychological & Financial Impacts

Layoffs often cause stress, anxiety, and reduced confidence. Financial consequences include:

• Loss of income and benefits

• Reduced retirement contributions

• Difficulty securing employment immediately

Preparation, planning, and proactive networking mitigate these effects.

Learn how to mitigate financial risk →

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often is AfterLayoff.org updated?
A: Daily or whenever verified layoff announcements occur.

Q2: Can I rely on this homepage to guide my career decisions?
A: Yes — it is designed as a comprehensive, authoritative resource.

Q3: Which industries are safest?
A: Healthcare, skilled trades, government, and creative roles have lower layoff risk.

Resources for Laid-Off Workers

• Job boards: Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor

• Resume & career coaching services

• Health insurance: HealthCare.gov, Medicaid, COBRA

• Emergency financial planning tools

Full resource list →

Stay Informed, Stay Prepared

Layoffs are an inevitable part of the modern workforce. Staying informed, monitoring trends, and planning proactively will protect your financial and career future. Bookmark AfterLayoff.org and check back regularly for updates, insights, and resources.