Generative AI reduces junior employment in high-exposure sectors

A study by the Laboratoire de l’Innovation et du Futur du Travail (LIFT) at HEC Paris and data from the Banque de France indicate that generative AI is significantly impacting the recruitment of young professionals. Since the public release of ChatGPT in late 2022, permanent contract (CDI) hiring for individuals aged 21–29 has dropped by 28.3% in occupations most exposed to AI, compared to a much smaller 7.5% decline in less exposed fields.

Research suggests that while total workforce volumes remain relatively stable, companies are using attrition and hiring freezes to adjust their staff. This dynamic disproportionately affects entry-level workers, particularly in the technology sector, where Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly performing tasks such as basic code production and documentation—roles historically assigned to juniors.

In France, employment for IT professionals under 30 has decreased by 7.4% over one year according to Insee. Similar trends are observed in the United States, where the Stanford Digital Economy Lab reported a 20% drop in hiring for software developers aged 22–25 since late 2022. The data suggests that while AI can replicate entry-level tasks, it has not yet replaced the complex expertise of senior professionals, creating a widening gap in the professional pyramid.