AI Hits Entry-Level Jobs for Younger Workers the Hardest, Study Finds
Computerworld, Tuesday, August 25th, 2026
A Stanford study cited by Computerworld finds AI has cut entry-level hiring for workers aged 22-25 by 19%.
Computerworld covers a Stanford University study using anonymized ADP payroll data comparing employment in AI-exposed versus less-exposed occupations. Among workers aged 22-25, employment in AI-exposed jobs is now 19% lower than in low-exposure roles, up from a 13% gap the prior year.
The effect concentrates on reduced hiring of young, entry-level workers rather than layoffs of experienced staff, and is sharpest where AI can fully replace specific tasks rather than merely supplement human work, while employment among older, more experienced workers shows minimal disruption.