AI and Job Security: The Anxiety of Lower-Wage Workers in the Age of Automation

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms workplaces across the United States, a growing wave of concern is sweeping through lower-income workers. A recent survey by HarrisX and Merit America, shared exclusively with Axios, reveals that employees making under $50,000 annually are increasingly worried about how AI could affect their jobs, earnings, and future economic mobility. While some see AI as an opportunity, many fear that without adequate training and government intervention, they may be left behind.

Understanding the Survey: AI Hopes and Fears

The survey, which included 3,048 lower-wage workers (68% earning less than $35,000 per year), paints a complex picture of attitudes toward AI. Nearly half (48%) of respondents see potential in AI, while slightly more (52%) feel anxious or uncertain about its impact on their work. Age and gender play a role: men and workers under 45 tend to view AI more positively, suggesting a generational and gendered divide in perceptions of technology.

A significant portion of the workforce is bracing for disruption. Over half (56%) believe they may need to change jobs due to AI, and 49% fear losing their current jobs entirely. Despite these anxieties, there’s a clear message: many workers support halting certain AI developments if they threaten widespread employment. About 70% of respondents said they would favor stopping AI technologies that could eliminate large numbers of jobs.

The Call for Reskilling and Government Action

Experts stress the urgency of proactive measures. Rebecca Taber Staehelin, co-CEO of workforce nonprofit Merit America, argues that the U.S. needs a “DARPA-like” approach to AI workforce readiness rather than reacting only after disruption occurs. Free training programs could be a key solution: 86% of respondents said they would participate in such programs, and 76% believe they would feel more confident and prepared for AI if these opportunities were available.

Government readiness is a major concern. Fifty-six percent of surveyed workers feel the government is not prepared to handle AI, while 67% want active involvement in providing job retraining programs. Partisan perceptions also emerge: 40% believe Democrats are handling AI workforce preparation better than Republicans (30%). In contrast, Silicon Valley receives little trust, with 64% doubting tech companies’ concern for the average worker.

The Broader Picture

While AI training and reskilling have been discussed politically, including in President Trump’s AI action plan, large-scale federally funded programs are still missing. Some states are making progress with partnerships and grants, but comprehensive infrastructure is lacking. Until governments act decisively, the anxiety among lower-wage workers is likely to persist.

What Undercode Say:

The HarrisX and Merit America survey highlights a critical moment in the intersection of AI and economic security. Workers’ fears are grounded in reality: AI is advancing faster than most reskilling efforts, leaving many behind. Lower-income employees face a dual challenge—they are more vulnerable to displacement and less able to invest in expensive upskilling opportunities.

This gap underscores the need for systematic intervention. Free and accessible AI-focused training programs, ideally supported at the federal level, could alleviate uncertainty while enhancing workforce adaptability. The fact that 86% of respondents would participate in such programs indicates a readiness to learn, if only resources were available.

The data also reveal a trust crisis. Workers are skeptical of both Silicon Valley and government preparedness, suggesting that solutions require credible, transparent programs. This skepticism could slow adoption of AI technologies in industries where workers feel unprotected.

Generational and gender differences in AI perception offer another insight: younger workers and men are generally more optimistic about AI, potentially due to familiarity with technology. Meanwhile, older and lower-wage workers may need targeted support to bridge this perception gap.

Additionally, the partisan divide signals a potential political opportunity. Policymakers who prioritize workforce reskilling could gain support from anxious workers, while failure to act risks widespread social and economic discontent. AI is not inherently a threat, but without intentional guidance, it may exacerbate inequality and job insecurity.

In sum, AI adoption is inevitable, but its social and economic impacts are not predetermined. Strategic planning, accessible training, and credible public-private partnerships could transform AI from a source of anxiety into an opportunity for economic advancement.

Fact Checker Results:

✅ Survey included 3,048 lower-wage workers with a ±3.1% margin of error.
✅ 56% of respondents feel they may need to change jobs due to AI.
✅ 86% expressed willingness to participate in free training programs to prepare for AI.

Prediction:

🚀 If governments and corporations launch large-scale reskilling programs within the next five years, AI could become a tool for economic mobility rather than a driver of job loss.
⚠️ Without intervention, AI adoption may deepen job insecurity among lower-income workers, fueling societal inequality.
💡 Public trust in AI solutions will hinge on transparent, worker-centered policies that balance innovation with protection.

🕵️‍📝✔️Let’s dive deep and fact‑check.

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