OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says the link between AI adoption and job cuts is more complicated than many people think.
Speaking during the groundbreaking of OpenAI’s new 1-gigawatt data center project in Michigan, Altman argued that the companies embracing AI most aggressively are often hiring the most workers. In contrast, he suggested that businesses blaming layoffs on AI tend to be the ones using the technology the least.
Altman said AI is excellent at certain tasks but still struggles with long-term supervision and complex work, making human employees more valuable than many expect. His view has become more optimistic after seeing how companies use OpenAI’s coding tools, including Codex.
The comments come as concerns about AI-driven job losses continue to grow. Several tech companies have cited AI while reducing staff, and public surveys show many Americans are more worried than excited about AI’s increasing role in daily life.
Altman also acknowledged that some of OpenAI’s past messaging may have amplified fears about automation. He said claims that AI outperformed professionals across dozens of occupations should have been framed more carefully, noting that the models excel at specific tasks rather than entire jobs.
Meanwhile, OpenAI’s new Michigan data center is expected to create thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of permanent positions, highlighting the company's push to expand AI infrastructure despite growing public debate over its impact on employment.