AI-Resistant Jobs Without a Degree

Think again if you believe most people in America graduate from college. Although it is considered an American tradition, many do not attend or finish. According to the Education Data Initiative, only 38% of Americans over 25 hold a college degree. Resume Now, a resume-writing service, recently released a report in May identifying 13 stable, well-paying career paths that don't require a college education and are unlikely to be affected by AI.

Keith Spencer, a career expert at Resume Now, stated that their analysis addressed prevalent concerns, such as fears regarding a weakening job market, the rising cost and value of a college degree, and the potential displacement of workers by AI or other technologies. These fears are justified, as a recent survey indicates that some service companies in the New York-Northern New Jersey area have already reduced hiring or plan to due to AI. Despite increasing automation, many fields still require human skills.

Resume Now compiled a list of jobs requiring only a high school diploma, paying at least $50,000 annually, and demonstrating growth and high demand, utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Spencer noted that these jobs share a need for significant human interaction, potentially requiring manual dexterity in unpredictable settings or a high level of creativity. The list is divided into roles with relatively low and "moderate" AI risk, based on factors like the need for human judgment, manual work, and personal interaction. Resume Now indicates that some listed positions may need relevant experience, but a college degree is not a requirement. Here's the list, including job descriptions and median salaries.

AI-Resistant Career Paths

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Job description: Assess fire risks, investigate causes of wildfires, and implement prevention strategies.
Why they're AI-resistant: Humans are required in the field for fire prevention, making complete automation impossible.
Median pay: $71,420 a year

Flight Attendants

Why they're AI-resistant: AI cannot serve meals; in-flight customer service requires a human element.
Median pay: $68,370 a year

Lodging Managers

Job description: Manage lodging facilities, oversee staff, and ensure guest satisfaction.
Why they're AI-resistant: Human assistance is needed to solve issues; AI cannot unclog a guestroom toilet.
Median pay: $65,360 a year

Electricians

Why they're AI-resistant: A human presence is needed for electrical work; AI cannot install a chandelier.
Median pay: $61,590 a year

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Job description: Install and service water and gas systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Why they're AI-resistant: Plumbing is unpredictable, and AI-controlled robots could only handle some tasks.
Median pay: $61,550 a year

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Job description: Maintain mechanical systems in industrial settings.
Why they're AI-resistant: The demands of real-time problem-solving would challenge AI.
Median pay: $61,170 a year

Chefs and Head Cooks

Why they're AI-resistant: Recipe creation and food preparation necessitate creativity; AI cannot taste the soup.
Median pay: $58,920 a year

Hearing Aid Specialists

Job description: Work with hearing aids and offer patient care.
Why they're AI-resistant: The hands-on requirements of the job cannot be met by AI.

Personal Service Managers

Job description: Manage wellness programs, event planning, or luxury concierge services.
Why they're AI-resistant: Emotional intelligence, decision-making, and personal interactions are necessary and beyond AI's capabilities.

Jobs with Moderate AI Risk

Resume Now suggests that these careers could eventually face automation but currently depend on human judgment and adaptability.

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Job description: Closely related to industrial machinery mechanics, these workers perform routine maintenance on industrial machinery.
Why they're AI-resistant: Humans are needed for complex repairs demanding real-time problem-solving.
Median pay: $61,170 a year

Insurance Sales Agents

Why they're AI-resistant: This career requires personal service, even though AI can handle some underwriting tasks.
Median pay: $59,080 a year

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

Why they're AI-resistant: Human supervisors are necessary to manage unexpected situations, even though AI can perform some cargo tasks.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Why they're AI-resistant: Humans are needed to install and troubleshoot security and fire systems.
Median pay: $56,430 a year