A survey by the Pew Research Center found that over half (52%) of workers worry about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their future work. Lower-income workers worry more than other income groups about AI displacement.
Some careers are more AI-resilient than others however. A study by Resume Now identified these careers as AI-resistant — and they pay over $50,000 with just a high school diploma.
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Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
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Median pay: $71,420
These workers assess fire hazards, put prevention strategies in place and investigate the cause of wildfires.
“This work relies on on-the-ground expertise and split-second decision-making,” said Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now. “While AI can support certain tasks, it cannot replace the nuanced thinking and real-time adjustments these jobs demand.”
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Flight Attendants
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Median pay: $68,370
Airplanes need human attendants to not just serve food and communicate with passengers, but also to manage loud or unruly passengers. They go beyond customer service to actually enforce the rules on airplanes.
When passengers have questions or need calming down, flight attendants help them. That still takes human-to-human interaction.
Hotel and Lodging Managers
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Median pay: $65,360
Another job that combines customer service and management, these hospitality workers oversee staff and operations. But lodging managers go beyond that to ensure guests have an excellent experience.
“From handling emergencies to ensuring guest satisfaction, these professionals do work that cannot be reduced to code,” Spencer added.
Electricians, Plumbers and Other Skilled Trades
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Median pay: $61,590
As the name suggests, skilled trades require plenty of education — it just happens to take place in the field under a mentor, rather than in the classroom.
Paul Iaccarino, director of the Building Trades Educational Benefit Fund, pointed out that many trade jobs offer lucrative salaries, pensions and full medical benefits from day one due to the shortage of skilled workers. “The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the job outlook for electricians to grow 11% from 2023 to 2033,” he said. That’s nearly triple the average rate of 4%.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Maintenance Workers
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Median pay: $61,170
You know all that automation taking place at factories and industrial workshops? Someone has to fix and maintain that machinery.
While AI can potentially help diagnose problems, as this machinery grows more computerized, a human must still pick a wrench to disassemble, repair and reassemble the machinery.
Chefs and Head Cooks
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Median pay: $58,920
Science fiction movies showcase machines that crank out meals from a preset menu. But that still feels a long way off and even in the movies, the meals don’t look particularly appetizing.
Cooking — at least when done well — combines both science and art to make something unique and beautiful to all five senses. And that takes human creativity and skill, not just hands and recipes.
Hearing Aid Specialists
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Median pay: $58,670
Hearing aid specialists fit and adjust hearing aids and conduct hearing tests. Like most healthcare professionals, they answer questions, calm concerns and provide personalized patient care.
“Healthcare support roles offer good pay without needing a degree,” said Doug Crawford, founder of Best Trade Schools. “With the aging population, healthcare-related fields will keep growing, making these positions even more secure.”
Personal Service and Event Managers
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Median pay: $57,570
These workers manage personalized services such as event planning, wellness programs and luxury concierge services.
Sebastian Morgan, senior career coach at CV Genius, pointed to this human-oriented work as especially AI-resistant. “It’s a socially-oriented line of work that involves critical thinking and real-time problem solving. That makes full automation unlikely in the foreseeable future,” Morgan added.
Morgan also pointed out that event planning has plenty of room for career advancement, with directors earning an average salary of $104,558 according to Meetings Net.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 AI-Resistant Careers That Pay Over $50K With Just a High School Diploma
