AI-resistance ranking
Careers most resilient to AI, ranked.
Twenty careers, scored 0 to 100 on how hard they are to automate. Each blends physical/non-routine work, AI task overlap, licensing, in-person demand, and BLS outlook. See the methodology →
| # | Career | Resilience | Median pay | To qualify | Outlook | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |  Physical therapist Healthcare | 90 | $101,020 | ~7 yr | +11% | |
| 02 |  Registered nurse Healthcare | 87 | $93,600 | 12–18 mo (ABSN) | +5% | |
| 03 |  Dental hygienist Healthcare | 87 | $94,260 | ~3 yr | +7% | |
| 04 |  Electrician Skilled trades | 83 | $62,350 | ~4 yr | +9% | |
| 05 |  Plumber Skilled trades | 83 | $62,970 | ~4 yr | +4% | |
| 06 |  Elevator mechanic Licensed / operator | 83 | $106,580 | ~4 yr | +5% | |
| 07 |  Respiratory therapist Healthcare | 83 | $80,450 | ~2 yr | +12% | |
| 08 |  Aircraft mechanic (A&P) Licensed / operator | 83 | $79,140 | 18–24 mo | +5% | |
| 09 |  Firefighter Licensed / operator | 81 | $59,530 | ~6 mo | +3% | |
| 10 |  Lineworker Licensed / operator | 80 | $92,560 | ~3 yr | +7% | |
| 11 |  HVAC technician Skilled trades | 77 | $59,810 | ~2 yr | +8% | |
| 12 |  Diagnostic sonographer Healthcare | 77 | $89,340 | ~2 yr | +13% | |
| 13 |  Nurse practitioner Healthcare | 74 | $129,210 | ~3 yr | +40% | |
| 14 |  Physician assistant Healthcare | 74 | $133,260 | ~27 mo | +20% | |
| 15 |  Wind turbine technician Skilled trades | 73 | $62,580 | ~1–2 yr | +50% | |
| 16 |  Industrial maintenance mechanic Skilled trades | 73 | $63,510 | ~4 yr | +13% | |
| 17 |  Stationary engineer Licensed / operator | 73 | $75,190 | ~4 yr | +2% | |
| 18 |  Commercial airline pilot Licensed / operator | 66 | $226,600* | 2–4 yr | +4% | |
| 19 |  Welder Skilled trades | 53 | $51,000 | ~1 yr | +2% | |
| 20 |  Air traffic controller Licensed / operator | 52 | $144,580 | 2–4 yr | +1% |
* Airline-pilot median (BLS). The separate BLS “commercial pilots” category (charter, cargo, agricultural) runs about $122,670; the profile explains the distinction.
Data as of May 2024 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook). Scores aggregate academic automation-exposure studies, BLS outlook, and major AI-impact reports per our methodology.
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