AI will replace most jobs, except plumbers, says AI Godfather Geoffrey Hinton

Geoffrey Hinton, often called the “Godfather of AI” for his pioneering work in neural networks, has warned that artificial intelligence will eventually surpass humans in almost every task, leading to mass job displacement. In a recent interview on the *Diary of a CEO* podcast, Hinton explained that while AI is rapidly advancing, some professions—particularly those requiring physical skills—will remain safe from automation for much longer.

Geoffrey, a Nobel Prize-winning computer scientist, stated that “mundane intellectual labor” (white-collar jobs) is most at risk. He predicted that AI would soon outperform humans in tasks like legal research, customer service, and data analysis. “For mundane intellectual labor, AI is just going to replace everybody,” he said. He specifically mentioned paralegals and call center workers as vulnerable, adding that he would be “terrified” to work in a call center today due to automation risks.

However, Geoffrey emphasized that jobs requiring physical dexterity, such as plumbing, will be much harder for AI to replicate. “I’d say it’s going to be a long time before AI is as good at physical manipulation,” he said. “So a good bet would be to be a plumber.” This aligns with recent trends showing Gen Z workers increasingly turning to blue-collar jobs amid a tough job market.

Hinton also dismissed the idea that AI will create enough new jobs to offset those it eliminates. “If AI automates intellectual tasks, there will be few jobs left for people to do,” he said. Instead, he foresees a future where one worker with an AI assistant can replace ten employees, leading to widespread layoffs across industries. While some sectors, like healthcare, may absorb these changes due to high demand, most jobs will not be spared.

The AI pioneer’s warnings come as major companies, including Meta, Google, and Wall Street banks, reduce hiring for entry-level roles, partly due to AI efficiencies. Reports indicate that tech firms have cut new graduate hires by 25%, while banks like Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan could eliminate up to 200,000 jobs in the next five years due to AI integration.

Hinton, a former Google researcher now teaching at the University of Toronto, has long cautioned about AI’s risks. He recently joined critics opposing OpenAI’s restructuring plans, arguing that profit motives could overshadow ethical AI development. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s shift toward a public benefit corporation has drawn skepticism, with critics, including Elon Musk, accusing the company of straying from its mission to prioritize humanity over investor returns.

As AI continues to evolve, Hinton’s insights highlight a looming crisis: while some jobs may vanish, others—like plumbing—could become more valuable than ever. For now, his advice is clear: if you want job security in the AI era, consider a career where robots can’t compete—at least not yet.

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