Elon Musk did not predict 90% of salaried jobs will be automated in three years?

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Elon Musk did not claim that 90% of salaried jobs will be automated within three years; his actual estimate for AI making work optional is 10 to 20 years. The Reel attributes a false prediction to Elon Musk claiming three years remain before 90% of salaried jobs are automated. According to reporting by Times of India, Musk's actual estimate is that AI could make work optional in 10 to 20 years. In 2022, Musk reduced Tesla's salaried staff by 10% over three months, which Reuters and CNBC covered at the time.

1 claim checked
2 sources
Checked 7 Nov 2026
Main source: Elon Musk on jobs that will soon become redundant and the ones that are likely to survive in the age of AI - The Times of India

The post we checked

Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate, and the future of traditional jobs is becoming a major topic of debate. Elon Musk has…

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What we checked

Elon Musk stated that there are only 3 years of work left before the end of the 'work for salary' era and that 90% of salaried jobs will be automated.“Musk has also suggested that work could become optional within 10 to 20 years, according to Fortune.”Elon Musk on jobs that will soon become redundant and the ones that are likely to survive in the age of AI - The Times of India

What the post doesn't tell you

Times of India reported that Elon Musk estimated AI could make work optional within 10 to 20 years.
Reuters and CNBC reported that in June 2022 Elon Musk announced Tesla would reduce its salaried workforce by 10% over three months.

Short version

❌ FALSE 👉 Elon Musk did not claim that 90% of salaried jobs will be automated within three years. 👉 According to the Times of India, Musk's actual estimate is that AI could make work optional in 10 to 20 years. 🎭 Trick: Made with AI 📰 Sources: Times of India, Blueflamingodigital 🔎 Full check: send this post to @checkthis.chat