A growing number of American workers report using artificial intelligence (AI) tools on the job, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in September 2025. Currently, 21% of U.S. employees say at least some of their work involves AI, up from 16% a year ago.
While the majority of workers (65%) report minimal or no AI use, the share saying some of their work relies on AI has risen from 14% to 19%, indicating a steady adoption trend.
Limited Full-Time AI Integration
Despite increased usage, the share of workers whose jobs are primarily or entirely performed with AI remains small at 2%, unchanged from 2024. The growth is mostly among employees who use AI for a portion of their tasks rather than full-time automation.
Meanwhile, awareness of AI in the workplace is improving. Fewer workers now say they have not heard or read about AI at work, dropping from 17% to 12%.
Higher Adoption Among Younger and Educated Workers
Age and education level significantly influence workplace AI use. Workers under 50 and those with at least a bachelor’s degree are more likely to report using AI in their daily tasks.
The increase in AI usage over the past year is largely driven by college-educated employees, rising from 20% to 28% using AI for at least part of their work. By contrast, workers with some college or less education show a smaller but meaningful increase from 13% to 16%.
Potential for AI in Non-Users’ Jobs
Among employees who do not currently use AI at work, including those unfamiliar with it, 36% believe at least some of their tasks could be performed with AI. This represents an increase from 31% in 2024.
Nearly half of non-users (46%) feel that AI would not be applicable to most or all of their work, consistent with the previous year’s results. These findings indicate a perceived potential for AI across various job functions, even among current non-users.
Implications for the Workforce
The data shows AI is increasingly present in American workplaces but remains limited to specific tasks and roles. Adoption is faster among younger and more educated workers, suggesting a divide in access and integration across the workforce.
As AI tools become more capable, awareness and adoption may continue to expand, potentially reshaping job responsibilities, workflow efficiency, and skills requirements. Workers and employers alike will need to navigate this evolving landscape to ensure equitable access and effective implementation of AI technologies.
