The previous year has been tough for job losses, in part due to AI. As per a CNBC article referencing consulting agency Challenger, Gray & Christmas, AI accounted for nearly 55,000 layoffs in the U.S. in 2025. This took place during a year marked by the highest layoffs since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, totaling 1.17 million job cuts across the country, as stated by the consulting firm. In November alone, 71,000 positions were eliminated, with 6,000, or roughly 9 percent, linked to AI.

Layoffs driven by AI impacted employees of varying job statuses and ages at firms such as Amazon and Walmart. Inc reported that AI has triggered a hiring halt, especially affecting entry-level positions. “The increase in youth unemployment could indeed be a reflection of the surge in AI,” remarked Stephanie Roth, chief economist at Wolfe Research, to Inc. “It’s not necessarily that AI is performing the jobs for these individuals, but corporations are uncertain about their future direction and prefer to maintain flexibility [by avoiding hiring young workers].”

At the same time, Fortune mentioned that the takeover of finance roles by AI in place of human workers is mainly “smoke and mirrors” for the time being. Regardless of the viewpoint, this has been a difficult year for workers in the U.S., with AI reportedly having an influence.