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14 AI-Proof Jobs That Are In Demand in 2025 (Up to $161K Per Year)

There are jobs — yes, even in tech — that are likely to weather the artificial intelligence takeover.

developer using laptop to write code
Updated July 15, 2025
Fact checked

These days, it's hard to avoid daunting headlines about the rise in artificial intelligence, the risk to jobs across industries, and the end of work as we currently know it.

Yet many jobs are expected to remain in high demand despite AI — and sometimes, because of it. Pivoting to one of these 14 AI-proof jobs could help lower your financial stress.

All salary and job growth numbers are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Software developers

BalanceFormCreative/Adobe group of programmers and software developers

Median salary: $131,450

Job growth through 2033: 17%

As AI continues to rise, software developers will remain in demand. People with skills in creating computer applications and programs are needed to build and improve AI systems.

Nurse practitioners

WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe nurse and doctor discussing

Median salary: $132,050

Job growth through 2033: 40%

Nurse practitioners provide care for patients in a variety of health care settings. The demand for these professionals is expected to skyrocket in the coming years.

These days, many patients see a nurse practitioner instead of a physician, as these two medical professionals perform many of the same duties. The job is AI-proof, but it does require specialized training and getting licensed.

Postsecondary teachers

Home-stock/Adobe female teacher giving high five to pupil

Median salary: $83,980

Job growth through 2033: 8%

While demand for K-12 teachers is expected to remain static over the next decade, the outlook is good for those who teach college and trade and vocational courses after high school.

These educators may have to make more use of AI in the coming years, but the demand for experienced professionals to pass down their knowledge remains.

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Project managers

Gorodenkoff/Adobe project manager makes a presentation

Median salary: $100,750

Job growth through 2033: 7%

Although many project managers will likely have to learn to work with AI programs, these specialists and their very human skills in budgeting, scheduling, and making project decisions continue to be needed in many industries.

Social workers

Rido/Adobe visiting an elderly couple at home

Median salary: $61,330

Job growth through 2033: 7%

Social workers often work in schools, child welfare services, and other agencies that provide care for young or vulnerable populations.

While evolving technology might make the profession a bit easier, emotional intelligence and other very human skills will always be a requirement for the job.

Marketing managers

Malik E/peopleimages.com/Adobe woman empowerment

Median salary: $161,030

Job growth through 2033: 8%

A job as a marketing manager might involve some sales, meeting with clients (in-office or traveling), and overseeing creative teams.

AI is likely to put some creative jobs at risk. However, people with the marketing skills necessary to generate interest in companies or clients are expected to stay in high demand.

Physical therapists

Camerene Pendl/peopleimages.com/Adobe helping him achieve great progress

Median salary: $101,020

Job growth through 2033: 14%

A physical therapist works with patients to help heal injuries and manage pain.

To work as a physical therapist, you need quite a bit of training, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and a license. But those who pursue this path can rest assured that it will stay in high demand no matter how much technology progresses.

Truck drivers

Mediteraneo/Adobe man working in towing service

Median salary: $57,440

Job growth through 2035: 5%

Working as a long-haul truck driver can be a great career move for some for several reasons.

Since many industries rely on drivers to transport goods, demand is expected to stay solid for a while. And it's a gig you can nab with just a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a clean driving record.

Automated vehicles are on the horizon, but it's unlikely we'll move past the need for drivers any time soon.

Industrial mechanics/machinery repair

FotoArtist/Adobe reviewing plans with robotic arms

Median salary: $63,510

Job growth through 2033: 15%

Industrial mechanics and machinery repair workers maintain and repair things such as factory equipment. These specialized workers typically learn through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

The BLS lumps data for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights together. But with 15% projected job growth for the field, none of these gigs seems to be at risk of an imminent AI takeover.

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Human resources specialists

Prostock-studio/Adobe female hr manage using laptop

Median salary: $72,910

Job growth through 2033: 8%

Even though it might seem like job listings are filled to the brim with AI, human resources specialists are still needed to recruit and interview job applicants.

They also handle things such as training and benefits for new hires. Even though the job will likely require using more AI in the future, people are still needed to fill these roles.

EMTs/paramedics

KL 1981/Adobe first aid for injuries from accidents

Median salary: $46,350

Job growth through 2033: 6%

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are another AI-proof career. These workers provide emergency care and help transport patients to hospitals or other facilities.

They need to be licensed, and most go through a postsecondary education program. The BLS projects solid job growth.

Plumbers

Andrey Popov/Adobe plumber repairing sink pipe leakage

Median salary: $62,970

Job growth through 2033: 6%

Trade jobs are widely considered safe from AI. As long as people have issues with their pipes, plumbers will remain in demand.

The BLS lumps data for plumbers together with that of pipefitters and steamfitters. All are trades you can learn in vocational school and through apprenticeship.

Personal trainers

Alexis Scholtz/peopleimages.com/Adobe fitness training with weights at gym

Median salary: $46,180

Job growth through 2033: 14%

Personal trainers and fitness instructors work with clients — sometimes individually and sometimes in groups — to encourage and facilitate exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.

While many people turn to virtual fitness classes these days, human instructors are still in high demand.

Construction workers

Hip.hub/Adobe reviewing plans at a construction site

Median salary: $46,050

Job growth through 2033: 7%

AI is unlikely to replace workers who have building, repair, and other construction-related skills.

It's a gig you can get into with little schooling, as it's possible to learn on the job.

Bottom line

New Africa/Adobe doctors putting hands together indoors

Many people are worried about the rise of AI and what that might mean for the job market and their financial future.

Understanding trends in your industry is key to measuring where you stand financially. For some of us, a shift to a more AI-resistant job might be the right move.


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