37% of Hourly Workers Already Using AI on the Job, Often Without Training
More than one-third of hourly workers in the United States now encounter artificial intelligence at work-before most feel financially ready for the shift. A new study found that 37% of Labor Economy workers said their employer introduced new automation or AI tools in the past 12 months.
The Labor Economy comprises roughly 60 million American workers earning up to $25 an hour, typically less than $50,000 annually. This segment represents about 15% of annual GDP and includes jobs in warehouses, restaurants, hospitality, logistics, and caregiving.
The Training Gap
The research exposed a stark divide: nearly 60% of Labor Economy workers affected by AI did not receive training on the new technology. Only 42% said they received instruction on how to use the tools.
This training deficit compounds a broader confidence problem. Just 39% of Labor Economy workers said they feel confident they could find comparable-paying work if technology eliminated their current role. Job security expectations for this group hit their lowest point since October, according to the study.
Who Has Resources to Adapt
Labor Economy workers have fewer financial buffers than higher-income workers. They are less likely to rely on savings during a financial shock and more likely to say they would need government assistance if work hours were reduced.
The bigger divide may not be about who encounters AI first, but rather who has the resources to adapt once workplace changes begin. Many workers affected by automation said the technology had not yet fundamentally changed their daily roles, suggesting time remains for companies to expand training and financial support.
What Workers Are Doing
One-quarter of workers in both labor segments said they would pick up extra shifts or gig work if their workload were cut. The data suggests a workforce still looking for ways to adapt rather than retreat.
For HR professionals, the findings point to concrete areas for action: expanding training programs before disruption deepens, providing financial support alongside technology rollouts, and recognizing that hourly workers are already managing automation in their daily work. Learn more about AI for Human Resources to better support your workforce through these changes.
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