What Jobs Are Safe from AI?

While some careers are susceptible to artificial intelligence (AI) advancements as automation becomes increasingly capable, other jobs are more resistant to this change. Jobs considered safer from AI are those with skills that AI has difficulty adequately replicating. Discover what jobs are sustainable heading into the future, even with the growth of AI.

How does AI affect the job market?

According to the Pew Research Center, 19 percent of American workers are currently in a position that’s exposed to AI [1]. However, this exposure isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In many circumstances, AI functions as a tool to assist or enhance your work by completing basic job duties, freeing up time to work on tasks AI can’t replicate, such as those involving human decision-making or social skills.

Although some jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI, it’s also worth considering the potential for new opportunities to emerge as AI becomes more integrated in the workplace. Considering this and the increased efficiency workers experience from using AI assistance in their roles, AI has the potential to make an overall positive economic impact.

8 jobs safe from AI

Jobs that are typically safe from AI require human skills such as creativity, empathy, and problem-solving. 

1. Surgeons

Average annual US salary: $239,200 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 4 percent [2]

Surgeons are responsible for evaluating and performing operations to treat medical issues such as illnesses or injuries in their patients. In this case, AI is a tool that will help generate more positive outcomes rather than replace surgeons altogether. Thanks to diagnostic tools supported by AI, surgeons will be able to make better decisions before and during procedures, with AI monitoring vital information to monitor patient safety. 

2. Nurses

Average annual US salary: $86,070 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [3]

Nurses' responsibilities include helping to care for patients by administering medication, performing physical examinations, checking vital signs, educating, and communicating with doctors. Due to nurses' specialized knowledge and ability to interact and empathize with patients and make critical decisions, they are safe from any threat of AI replacement. Instead, AI supports nurses by automating administrative tasks and providing wearable patient monitoring devices.

3. Social workers

Average annual US salary: $58,380 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [4]

As a social worker, you help people work through challenges they face in life, such as students, disabled individuals, families, those struggling with addiction, or victims of abuse, among others. Based on the client's or work environment's needs, you may help treat emotional issues, guide patients toward valuable resources, or serve as an advocate. Since this job requires a great deal of emotional intelligence and close personal work with other human beings, it’s safe from AI.

4. First responders (firefighters and police officers)

Average annual US salary: $57,120 [5], $74,910 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 4 percent [5],[6]

A first responder has to respond to emergency calls. As a firefighter, this may entail controlling fires, responding to medical emergencies, or vehicular accidents. Police officers also may administer first aid, maintain public order, or collect and preserve evidence at a crime scene. Instead of replacing first responders, AI will help in several ways, such as providing firefighters with digital maps to navigate smoke-filled buildings, language detection and translation, and crowd size monitoring.

5. Human resources managers

Average annual US salary: $136,350 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [7]

Human resources managers manage several workplace areas, including policies, recruiting, training, and employee development. Due to the importance and personal nature of their work, such as handling workplace complaints, it’s important to have an actual person in charge to ensure the correct handling of complex issues, an area where AI may fall short.

6. Lawyers

Average annual US salary: $145,760 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 5 percent [8]

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters. Also known as attorneys, the two titles differ slightly as attorneys are licensed and authorized to practice law. Successfully navigating the law requires you to have a deep level of knowledge of the legal system and how to best handle each case, as they all have their unique challenges and details, making lawyers safe from total replacement by AI.

7. Physical therapists

Average annual US salary: $99,710 [9]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 14 percent [9]

As a physical therapist, you help treat injuries and chronic pain through individualized treatment plans consisting of exercises and techniques to improve strength and mobility. Physical therapy work is enhanced by AI, with data tracking, wearable devices, and patient documentation. Still, it isn’t susceptible to replacement due to the interactive nature of this type of work and the need to communicate on a personal level with patients.

8. Electricians 

Average annual US salary: $61,590 [10]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 11 percent [10]

An electrician installs and maintains the wiring that goes into electrical power systems and equipment. Although AI impacts this space, AI helps electricians do their jobs more efficiently than replace them. With tools that can predict future maintenance needs and smart energy systems that use energy more efficiently, electricians can dedicate more of their time to important tasks.

Learning more about AI 

By pursuing one of several careers safe from artificial intelligence, you can prepare for the future. 

On Coursera, you can find highly rated courses on artificial intelligence and its capabilities. AI Foundations for Everyone from IBM is a beginner course where you can expand your knowledge of artificial intelligence and how you can use AI across several industries. AI in Healthcare from Stanford University is another course where you can learn about the powers of artificial intelligence and how it can improve the health care industry today, as well as several years from now.