ChatGPT in the Workplace: Which Jobs Are Using AI the Most?
Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in the workplace is rapidly accelerating, reshaping how professionals perform their duties. New data from Gallup, reported by Axios, highlights significant increases in AI use across various industries while revealing noticeable differences in adoption rates depending on the job sector and seniority.
A Surge in AI Usage
According to Gallup’s recent survey results released on Monday, the percentage of workers using AI at least a few times per year surged to 45% in the third quarter of this year. This marks a rise of more than 20 percentage points compared to the same period in 2024. Weekly use of AI technology also nearly doubled, jumping from 12% last year to 23%, though daily users remain relatively rare at 10%.
Adoption Concentrated Among Knowledge Workers
Gallup’s survey spanned a broad range of professions, illustrating a clear divide in AI adoption rates between various sectors:
- Technology workers: 50% use AI several times per week.
- Finance professionals: 33% employ AI usage weekly.
- Professional services: 30% use AI at least weekly.
- In contrast, industries such as retail and manufacturing show much lower AI use rates, each at 18%, while healthcare workers report a 21% weekly usage rate.
These figures suggest that “knowledge jobs” — roles that involve handling complex information and decision-making — have been integrating AI tools far more quickly than service or blue-collar sectors.
Seniority and AI Use
The data also reveals that senior employees are more likely to use AI regularly. Higher-level positions within companies tend to adopt AI technologies at elevated rates, reflecting potentially greater access to cutting-edge tools or the nature of strategic responsibilities assigned to these roles.
The Dominance of Chatbots
Among the various AI applications in use, chatbots emerge as the most popular. More than 60% of employees who utilize AI tools reported employing chatbots, signaling the growing reliance on conversational AI for tasks such as customer service, internal communications, and data retrieval.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI at Work
Gallup’s data evokes a historical parallel: over 25 years ago, Google search dramatically transformed workplace productivity by making information more accessible. ChatGPT and similar AI technologies, introduced only three years ago, show signs of similarly transformative potential — though widespread adoption has yet to reach the levels of staple work tools like internet search engines.
In summary, AI is carving out an increasingly important role in the modern workplace, particularly among tech-savvy knowledge workers and leadership. As AI tools become more sophisticated and user-friendly, their integration across sectors may continue to accelerate, ultimately changing the way many jobs are performed.
Data Source: Gallup; Chart Design: Jacque Schrag/Axios Visuals
Originally reported by Emily Peck for Axios, 2025
