Nearly half of US workers use AI at work; knowledge workers adopt far more
Almost a year after Gallup reported that just under 50 percent of American employees have tried an AI tool on the job, the picture is anything but uniform. While many workers dabble with chatbots or image generators, a sizable slice still only pulls them out once in a while, if at all. The disparity matters because it hints at where productivity gains—and potential skill gaps—are forming.
In sectors that rely on data analysis, coding, or strategic planning, AI is already a frequent companion; elsewhere, the technology remains a novelty. Understanding which groups are integrating these tools most often helps companies gauge where training investments should flow and where resistance may be entrenched. The numbers also raise questions about the broader impact on workplace dynamics, especially as some departments accelerate toward routine AI‑driven processes while others lag behind.
This context frames the emerging divide between knowledge‑intensive roles and the front‑line workforce.
Knowledge workers lead AI adoption while frontline industries lag behind Employees in knowledge-based fields use AI tools far more often. According to Gallup, 76 percent of workers in technology and IT use AI several times a year. In finance, that number drops to 58 percent, and professional services comes in at 57 percent.
Industries with more frontline workers tell a different story: only 33 percent of retail employees use AI at work, along with 37 percent in healthcare and 38 percent in manufacturing. Among AI users, 42 percent use the technology to summarize information--which also happens to be Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's top AI use case.
Nearly half of American employees now touch AI on the job, yet only a fraction rely on it every day. The Gallup poll, which surveyed 23,068 workers in August 2025, shows usage rising from 40 % to 45 % between Q2 and Q3, while frequent users grew from 19 % to 23 % and daily users edged up from 8 % to 10 %. Knowledge‑based roles lead the charge: 76 % of technology and IT staff report using AI several times a year, compared with 58 % in finance and lower rates in frontline sectors.
Why the disparity? The data stop short of explaining whether access, training, or task relevance drives the gap. Chatbots and virtual assistants dominate the toolset, but the survey offers no detail on specific applications or productivity outcomes.
As adoption climbs, the picture remains incomplete; further research will be needed to gauge whether broader use translates into measurable workplace change. No clear answer yet. Organizations may need to address training gaps and evaluate cost‑benefit balances before AI becomes a routine fixture.
Further Reading
- The State of Generative AI Adoption in 2025 - St. Louis Fed
- The jobs where people are using AI the most - Axios
- How AI and Other Technology Impacted Businesses and Workers - U.S. Census Bureau
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Common Questions Answered
What percentage of American employees have tried an AI tool at work according to the Gallup poll?
The Gallup poll found that nearly half of U.S. workers—45 percent—have tried an AI tool on the job. This figure rose from 40 percent in the previous quarter, indicating growing experimentation with AI across the workforce.
Which knowledge‑based sector shows the highest AI adoption rate and what is that rate?
Technology and IT employees lead AI adoption, with 76 percent reporting they use AI tools several times a year. This is the highest rate among all sectors surveyed, outpacing finance (58%) and professional services (57%).
How did the proportion of daily AI users change between Q2 and Q3 2025?
Daily AI users edged up from 8 percent in Q2 to 10 percent in Q3 2025. Although still a small slice of the workforce, this increase reflects a gradual shift toward more routine reliance on AI at work.
What are the AI usage rates in frontline industries such as retail and healthcare?
Frontline sectors lag behind knowledge workers, with only 33 percent of retail employees and 37 percent of healthcare workers reporting AI use at work. These lower adoption rates highlight a disparity in AI integration between frontline and knowledge‑based roles.