Altman Warns AI to Hit Customer Service Jobs First

Lead: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told viewers on The Tucker Carlson Show today that artificial intelligence will displace customer service roles before moving into programming and other fields, warning of accelerated job turnover in coming years.

Nut Graf: Speaking Wednesday evening, Altman argued that AI’s rapid capabilities could compress centuries of workforce shifts into a short span, making routine support jobs “better done by an AI” and urging leaders to prepare for profound labor-market changes.

AI-Driven Job Turnover Imminent

Altman described the coming transformation as a “punctuated equilibria” moment, where long-term employment trends unfold almost overnight.

  • Customer service positions will be first to go, he predicted, as AI handles scripted inquiries more efficiently than humans.
  • Programmers could follow, though roles requiring deep human connection-such as nursing-may remain insulated for longer.

Historical Context and Timeline

Drawing on economic history, Altman noted that roughly 50 percent of jobs significantly change every 75 years on average. He suggested AI will simply accelerate this natural cycle:

  • Past industrial shifts stretched over decades; AI could deliver similar upheaval in months.
  • Workers in routine knowledge roles may face displacement faster than any previous technological advance.

Preparing for the Shift

Altman emphasized that businesses and policymakers must act proactively:

  • Upskilling initiatives and universal basic income experiments could soften the impact on displaced workers.
  • New roles in AI oversight, safety and system design will emerge, offering alternative career pathways.

Balancing Innovation and Equity

While cautioning against alarmism, Altman insisted that AI-driven productivity must benefit broad society. He called on industry leaders to:

  • Implement governance frameworks ensuring responsible AI deployment.
  • Invest in workforce planning to equip employees with skills for evolving roles.

Altman’s remarks mark the latest high-profile warning about AI’s economic impact, underscoring the urgency of strategic planning as automation reshapes service-sector employment.