The Labor Market Impact of Artificial Intelligence: Evidence from US Regions

Abstract

This paper empirically investigates the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on employment. Exploiting variation in AI adoption across US commuting zones using a shift-share approach, I find that during 2010-2021, commuting zones with higher AI adoption have experienced a stronger decline in the employment-to-population ratio. Moreover, this negative employment effect is primarily borne by the manufacturing and lowskill services sectors, middle-skill workers, non-STEM occupations, and individuals at the two ends of the age distribution. The adverse impact is also more pronounced on men than women.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, technology, labor, local labor markets, shift share

JEL Classification: J23, J24, O33, R23