Fact of the Week: Generative AI Adoption Exceeds 20 Percent in Four Out of Five Occupations

Source: Alexander Bick et al., “What work does generative AI do?” (NBER working paper 35677, August 2026).

Commentary: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is spreading across the U.S. workforce, but adoption remains uneven even among workers doing similar jobs. Research using the Real-Time Population Survey finds that more than 20 percent of workers use generative AI in four out of five detailed occupations. Yet, only one in six occupations has adoption above 70 percent. Drawing on four survey waves between August 2025 and May 2026, the study finds that adoption is highest in management and professional occupations, particularly business, finance, and computing, and in tasks involving analysis, interpretation, and writing.

The study also finds that workers performing similar tasks differ substantially in their use of generative AI. Experienced users tend to apply the technology to more tasks, and workers who use it for commonly assisted activities are more likely to adopt it elsewhere in their jobs. These patterns suggest that familiarity with AI may help workers identify additional uses over time. Helping workers gain practical experience with AI could therefore encourage broader adoption and help more businesses realize its productivity benefits.