[Young journalist Oh Sihyun]  With the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) posing increasing threats to employment in white-collar occupations, an era of “blue-collar billionaires” is emerging, particularly in the United States, with a sharp rise in the value of physical labor. As AI begins to substitute for office-based tasks such as document preparation and data analysis, occupations that require skilled manual labor and on-site judgment are receiving renewed attention as high-income professions.

Recently, Japan’s Asahi TV drew attention to the structural changes occurring in the U.S. labor market. According to the report, blue-collar occupations, including plumbers, electricians, and construction technicians, which were previously regarded as undesirable, are now emerging as highly valued professions in the era of AI. The analysis suggests that while AI may be capable of replacing certain aspects of human intelligence, it remains difficult for such technologies to encroach upon domains that require physical presence and real-time problem-solving in complex on-site environments.

 
In reality, Mr. A, who graduated from a prestigious university and previously worked as a corporate accountant, changed careers to become a plumber. His hourly wage increased from 4,000 yen (approximately 37,000 won) during his time as an accountant to 12,000 yen (approximately 110,000 won) after his career change, representing a nearly threefold increase.

Mr. A stated that “while AI may perform cognitive functions, it cannot replace roles that require direct physical engagement,” and noted that although the work is more physically demanding, his working hours have decreased, and his satisfaction has increased as a result of producing outcomes through his own labor.

Experts estimate that this phenomenon will soon expand on a global scale. Kashimura Yu, senior researcher at the Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, remarked that “as AI intelligence has already exceeded the average human, occupations involving the handling of information at a computer are likely to suffer the most significant impact.” He also further predicted that while wages for white-collar workers may stagnate, the market value of highly skilled technical labor will continue to rise.

▶원문 기사: AI '현장직 대체 못해'… 시급 3배 뛴 육체노동자들, 몸값 '껑충' [AI in 팩트]
 

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