Is AI taking entry-level jobs? The evidence shows real pressure on some early-career workers and occupations, but it does not establish that AI has broadly eliminated entry-level work. Hiring and first-job outcomes have weakened in some exposed groups; researchers still cannot separate AI’s contribution from other forces with confidence.
What do the U.S. Census studies show?
Employment and hiring among workers aged 22–24
In an April 2026 U.S. Census Bureau working paper, Lee C. Tucker found that employment among workers aged 22–24 in the most AI-exposed quintile of industry-state cells fell 12% over the 10 quarters after ChatGPT’s introduction. The decline was primarily associated with fewer hires, rather than a reported wave of existing workers losing jobs. Tucker writes in the paper’s abstract: “The rate of hiring largely recovered by early 2025, attributable to a smaller employment base.” In other words, a recovery in the hiring rate did not erase the earlier drop in employment.
The result is an important warning about the early-career pipeline, not proof that AI caused every part of the decline. Tucker also notes signs of employment and hiring shifts around the start of the COVID pandemic, which complicates comparisons that begin near ChatGPT’s release.
Initial outcomes for college graduates
A separate Census Bureau working paper, published in September 2026, examined college graduates by major rather than young workers by age and industry. In adjusted estimates, graduates from the most AI-exposed decile of majors saw a five-percentage-point decline in the likelihood of initial employment and a 13% decline in full-quarter initial earnings. These are distinct outcomes: the first concerns whether graduates found an initial job, while the second concerns earnings for a full quarter.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
About half of the earnings decline was associated with lower earnings within industries employing these graduates. The other half was associated with graduates moving into lower-wage sectors, including restaurants and retail. The authors report that the effects attenuate as graduates move further from labor-market entry. The findings therefore point to weaker starts for a particular group of graduates, not a uniform earnings penalty for everyone entering work.
How do findings from other places and methods compare?
The studies below measure different things. A hiring trend, an employment outcome, an employer’s expectation and a job-posting requirement cannot be combined into one estimate of AI-caused job losses.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Source and scope | What it found | What the measure does—and does not—show |
|---|---|---|
| UK government snapshot, June 2026 | Overall UK hiring was down 14% year on year in April 2026. Of 38 tracked entry-level occupations, 30 declined; accounting, graphic design and software engineering were among the steepest falls, while sales and customer-facing roles grew. | This is a hiring trend across tracked occupations, not a count of jobs directly replaced by AI. The department said more research is needed before attributing the pattern to AI. |
| NACE Spring Update, U.S. Class of 2026 | NACE projected 5.6% more hiring for the graduating class; separately, 10.5% of entry-level job posts required AI skills. | The first figure is an employer hiring projection, not realized hiring; the second is a share of postings, not a measure of jobs created or lost. The update had 185 respondents, including 142 employer members. The projection was first collected in August–September 2025 and updated using a survey fielded in February–March 2026. |
| Statistics Canada, November 2022–December 2025 | Employment generally grew across occupations regardless of AI exposure, although younger workers generally had weaker growth. | Labor-force outcomes provide a broader comparison, but the agency cautions that AI cannot be isolated from pandemic-related adjustments, demographic change, trade tensions and other economic forces. |
| Strada survey of nearly 1,500 U.S. executives and senior talent leaders | More respondents expected AI to increase rather than reduce entry-level hiring in 2026. Many also said AI was changing the tasks junior employees perform. | These are employer perceptions and expectations, not observed job changes or a causal estimate. |
| North Carolina employer survey, 2026 | Thirty percent of employers said they currently used AI, and 43% planned to start or expand use. Among employers already using AI, 73% expected no change in demand for entry-level or lower-skilled workers. | This is a state-level survey, not a national estimate. Expectations about future demand and human-centered skills do not establish what hiring will actually do. |
| Federal Reserve Board analysis of computer programmers, 2026 | Coder employment continued to grow after ChatGPT’s introduction, but more slowly than before 2022. An industry-shock control suggested the slowdown was occupation-specific rather than explained by exposure to industries that were slowing. | This is evidence about one exposed occupation, not all entry-level roles, and it does not by itself establish that AI caused the slowdown. |
Why can these results point in different directions?
“Entry-level” is not one consistent statistical category. Tucker’s first Census analysis follows workers aged 22–24 in industry-state cells; the second looks at graduates from particular college majors. The UK snapshot tracks named occupations, while the Federal Reserve analysis focuses on computer programmers. NACE’s posting figure concerns advertised skill requirements. Those groups and measures overlap only partly, so a result for one cannot be treated as a result for all new workers.
Likewise, AI exposure is a proxy for how much an industry, occupation or major may be affected by AI. It does not establish that a specific employer adopted a system, automated a particular task or replaced a particular worker. Administrative records and labor-force data observe employment outcomes, while surveys capture respondents’ reports or expectations and job postings show stated requirements. Each answers a different question.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Timing alone does not settle causation. The Census early-career analysis finds timing consistent with a hiring effect after ChatGPT’s release, but also identifies earlier shifts around COVID. Statistics Canada explicitly says recent differences cannot be separated from other economic changes. Remote-work adjustment, macroeconomic conditions, changes in educational attainment, sector shifts and demographic trends may all influence early-career outcomes. The UK government also cautions against assigning its hiring pattern to AI without further research.
What may be changing even where job losses are unclear?
The evidence on task changes and skill requirements helps explain why an entry-level role may change without the total number of jobs immediately falling. Strada’s respondents reported that AI was changing junior employees’ tasks, and NACE found AI skills required in a portion of entry-level postings. Those findings suggest that some employers may expect new workers to use AI tools or take on different work; they do not show how many jobs those changes will create or remove.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The Federal Reserve’s coder analysis is a useful example of why an occupation-specific slowdown deserves attention but should not be generalized: employment in that occupation still grew, albeit more slowly than before 2022. Across the evidence, hiring flows and the composition of junior work may shift before a clear aggregate employment effect can be established.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should a new graduate or early-career worker take from this?
Do not read these findings as proof that an entry-level job search is futile or that AI has made early-career work disappear. The more defensible conclusion is that entry routes are uneven: some exposed groups show weaker hiring or first-job outcomes, while other measures show continued hiring expectations, growing employment, or no expected near-term change. For an individual job search, use the skills named in relevant postings to guide preparation, but treat a requirement for AI skills as a signal about role expectations—not proof that the role is secure or at risk.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
