“We’re going to see AI get even better,” says Geoffrey Hinton, Godfather of AI, warning people that 2026 will likely see a 'jobless boom'

AI could begin replacing large numbers of jobs as early as 2026, according to Geoffrey Hinton, one of the most respected figures in the field of AI. 

Often called the Godfather of AI, Hinton has warned that the speed at which AI is improving could lead to a “jobless boom,” where companies grow more productive but hire fewer people.

Why Geoffrey Hinton Warns of a Jobless Boom in 2026

In a recent CNN interview, Hinton said AI systems are already strong and improving faster than expected. He warned that this growth could replace workers across many fields.

“We’re going to see AI get even better. It’s already extremely good. We’re going to see it having the capabilities to replace many, many jobs,” he said.

A jobless boom happens when companies produce more using machines instead of people. Output rises, costs fall, and profits improve — but hiring slows or stops. Hinton believes AI could push many businesses in this direction within the next two years.

He explained that AI keeps learning to handle longer tasks at a steady pace. “Each seven months or so, it gets to be able to do tasks that are about twice as long,” Hinton said. This means work that once took people hours or days may soon be handled fully by machines.

Unlike past tech changes that replaced physical work, AI is now moving into office jobs that depend on thinking and problem-solving.

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Which Jobs Face the Biggest Risk From AI Growth

Hinton pointed to software work as one of the clearest examples. AI tools have already moved beyond small coding jobs. They can now complete “whole projects that are like an hour long,” showing how quickly machine skills are growing.

Looking ahead, Hinton said even longer tasks may soon be handled by AI.

“In a few years’ time, it’ll be able to do software engineering projects that are months long, and then there’ll be very few people needed,” he warned.

Experts say jobs that follow clear steps are most at risk. These include customer support, data entry, basic analysis, and parts of office and tech roles. As companies turn to AI to save money and work faster, fewer workers may be needed even when business is doing well.

Some new jobs may appear in AI-related areas, but many analysts doubt they will match the number of roles lost. That gap is what makes a jobless boom dangerous — growth without work.

Hinton’s warning has added pressure on governments and companies to act. Training, support for workers, and new job plans may be needed soon, as AI moves closer to reshaping how people earn a living.

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