Americans Rapidly Adopt AI at Work, Gallup Poll Finds

Surge in AI usage, especially in tech and finance sectors, as chatbots and data tools gain popularity

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:47am

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A new Gallup poll finds that American workers have rapidly embraced artificial intelligence in their jobs, with 12% of employed adults saying they use AI daily and nearly half using it at least a few times a year. The survey shows a significant increase in AI adoption since 2023, particularly in technology, finance and education sectors, as workers turn to chatbots and data consolidation tools to boost productivity. However, the poll also highlights concerns about the impact of AI on certain workers, especially in administrative and clerical roles, who may lack the skills and resources to adapt.

Why it matters

The widespread adoption of AI in the workplace reflects the growing commercial impact of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, which are transforming how people work across various industries. While AI promises productivity gains, there are also concerns about its potential to disrupt certain jobs and disproportionately impact vulnerable workers who may struggle to adapt to the changes.

The details

The Gallup Workforce survey of over 22,000 U.S. workers found that 12% of employed adults now use AI daily, up from just 21% using it at least occasionally in 2023. About one-quarter say they use AI at least a few times a week, and nearly half use it at least a few times a year. The surge in AI adoption is particularly pronounced in the technology sector, where 6 in 10 workers use AI frequently, and in finance, where 28% use it daily. Workers in professional services, higher education and K-12 education also report high rates of AI usage. However, AI adoption remains less common in service-oriented sectors like retail, healthcare and manufacturing.

  • The Gallup Workforce survey was conducted from October 30 to November 13, 2025.
  • Gallup began asking about AI usage at work in 2023.

The players

Gene Walinski

A 70-year-old Home Depot store associate in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, who uses an AI assistant on his personal phone to help answer customer questions about supplies he is not fully familiar with.

Andrea Tanzi

A 28-year-old investment banker at Bank of America in New York who uses AI tools daily to synthesize documents and data sets.

Joyce Hatzidakis

A 60-year-old high school art teacher in Riverside, California, who started using AI chatbots to help craft communications with parents.

Rev. Michael Bingham

The pastor of the Faith Community Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, who is skeptical of using AI to help write his sermons, preferring to rely on "the power of God" instead.

Sam Manning

A fellow at the Centre for the Governance of AI and co-author of new papers on the job effects of AI for the Brookings Institution and the National Bureau of Economic Research.

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What they’re saying

“I think my job would suffer if I couldn't because there would be a lot of shrugged shoulders and 'I don't know' and customers don't want to hear that.”

— Gene Walinski, Home Depot store associate

“I can scribble out a note and not worry about what I say and then tell it what tone I want. And then, when I reread it, if it's not quite right, I can have it edited again. I'm definitely getting less parent complaints.”

— Joyce Hatzidakis, High school art teacher

“You don't want a machine, you want a human being, to hold your hand if you're dying. And you want to know that your loved one was able to hold the hand of a loving human being who cared for them.”

— Rev. Michael Bingham, Pastor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.