AI anxiety: 1 in 3 Aussie workers are worried they’ll lose their job to Artificial Intelligence
Millions of Australians are concerned AI will make them redundant, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 669 working Australians found nearly 1 in 10 (9%) think their job will 'definitely' be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI), while a further 21% are worried about it, but not sure it will happen.
That's 4.2 million people who no longer feel safe in their jobs with the arrival of AI.
Gen Z professionals are the most concerned with 38% admitting they think they're going to be replaced by AI, followed by 34% of millennials.
Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said it was a scary reality for some.
"For millions of workers AI feels like a very real threat to their pay packet and their financial security.
"The risk isn't just about robots taking over jobs, it's about roles quietly shrinking, hours being cut and fewer opportunities coming through the door.
"Workers who keep upskilling and adapting will be far harder to replace. Over the next few years, those who use AI to make themselves more efficient are less likely to have their jobs cut because of AI."
Finder's research found 1 in 5 employed Aussies (20%) think their job is safe but believe organisations will employ fewer people in their roles in the future.
Cooke said this is a wake-up call for anyone who assumes their job is immune from technology advancements.
"Don't put your head in the sand about the threat of AI on the jobs market.
"In a fast-moving tech cycle, no employee can afford complacency.
"The best defence is preparation – build a 3 to 6 month emergency savings fund, consider income protection, and future-proof your skills now so you're not scrambling if the AI axe does fall."
Half of Aussies with a job (50%) are not worried about AI leaving them out of a job.
Are you worried you’re going to lose your job to AI?
| Yes, I definitely think my job will be replaced by AI | 9% |
| Yes, I am worried about it, but not sure it will happen | 21% |
| No, but I think companies will hire fewer people like me in the future | 20% |
| No | 50% |
| Source: Finder survey of 669 employed respondents, February 2026 |  |
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,011 respondents from February 2026, 669 of whom are currently employed.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
Sources
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