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Foley Artists

Arts, Design, Entertainment & Mediahighmixed
BLS 2024-34: -3%
Median Wage: $62,740
Employment: 19K

Overall Exposure

54

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

73

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

35

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

41

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 โ†’ 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

54โ†’68
+14

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

73โ†’84
+11

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

35โ†’52
+17

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

41โ†’57
+16

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202448682835actual
202554733541estimated
202659774147estimated
202764814752estimated
202868845257estimated

Task Breakdown

Perform physical sound effects synchronized to on-screen action
22%ฮฒ 0
Edit and mix recorded foley tracks in digital audio workstations
68%ฮฒ 1
Source and prepare props and surfaces for sound recording
15%ฮฒ 0

About This Occupation

If you work as a Foley Artist, AI is transforming your post-production workflow. With an automation risk of 41/100 and overall exposure at 54%, this role faces high transformation. Digital editing and mixing sees the highest automation at 68% as AI audio tools can clean, enhance, and generate sound effects. Physical performance of sounds remains largely manual. BLS projects -3% decline through 2034.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 41%, Foley Artists faces a moderate level of AI-driven change. Some tasks can be automated, but many require human judgment, creativity, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot yet replicate. The role is more likely to evolve alongside AI than be replaced.

The AI automation risk score for Foley Artists is 41% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 54%, with 73% theoretical exposure and 35% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is 0 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Foley Artists are: Edit and mix recorded foley tracks in digital audio workstations (68%), Perform physical sound effects synchronized to on-screen action (22%), Source and prepare props and surfaces for sound recording (15%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects -3% employment change for Foley Artists from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 54%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Foley Artists should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.