Sector Analysis
Administrative Work & AI Risk
Based on Oxford Martin School Research · 2013
Administrative roles face the highest concentration of automation risk of any sector in the Oxford dataset.
Average risk
53%
Jobs analyzed
4
Highest risk role
Data Entry Clerk80% risk
Jobs in this sector
| Job title | Risk score 2026 | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Clerk | 80% | High |
| Receptionist | 64% | High |
| Customer Service Representative | 64% | High |
| HR Manager | 4% | Low |
Analysis
Data entry clerks, receptionists, administrative assistants, and office support workers cluster at the extreme high-risk end of the Oxford research — most scoring above 90%. The pattern is consistent: administrative work involves processing structured information, scheduling, and routing communication — all well within current AI capability.
Executive assistants supporting senior leaders score lower, reflecting the judgment and discretion these roles require. But the broad middle of administrative work faces unambiguous displacement pressure.
The transition is already visible in corporate hiring data. Administrative headcount has declined relative to revenue across most large organizations over the past decade — a trend that predates generative AI and has accelerated with it.
For workers in administrative roles, the Oxford data suggests urgency. Reskilling toward roles requiring interpersonal judgment, technical expertise, or creative problem-solving offers the most durable path.
Want to know your specific role?
Check your specific role →All risk scores based on Frey & Osborne (2013), Oxford Martin School. Note: this study predates generative AI — actual risk may be higher than shown.