15 Jobs Safe from AI Displacement
With AI transforming nearly every industry, it’s natural to be concerned about job security. Will AI replace humans in the workforce?
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, the global workforce is expected to see more jobs created than lost. This report projects the 15 largest growing jobs globally from 2025 to 2030, based on ILO and employer-reported data:
- Farmworkers/Laborers/Other Agricultural Workers
- Light Truck/Delivery Service Drivers
- Software/Applications Developers
- Building Framers/Finishers/Related Trades Workers
- Shop Salespersons
- Food Processing/Related Trades Workers
- Car/Van/Motorcycle Drivers
- Nursing Professionals
- Food/Beverage Serving Workers
- General/Operations Managers
- Social Work/Counseling Professionals
- Project Managers
- University/Higher Education Teachers
- Secondary Education Teachers
- Personal Care Aides
In this blog, we’ll explore related U.S. careers to these 15 jobs, including their median salaries and what it takes for you to get started.
1. Agricultural and Food Scientists
U.S. Outlook: While traditional farm labor jobs are in decline in the United States according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, careers in agricultural science are on the rise. These roles are expected to grow faster than average, with a median salary of $78,770 in 2024.
Why It’s Safe from AI: While automation can help analyze data, agricultural scientists still need to visit farms or plants, conduct fieldwork, and apply human judgment to solve complex challenges.
What You’ll Need: A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, biology, or a related field is usually required.
Worth Considering: This is a great path if you want to improve food systems and sustainability through science and hands-on work.
2. Delivery Truck Drivers
U.S. Outlook: Demand for delivery truck drivers continues to rise, especially with the growth of e-commerce. In 2024, the median pay in 2024 was $42,770.
Why It’s Safe from AI: Autonomous vehicles are still far from use. Drivers are still essential for local deliveries, customer interaction, and navigating real-world logistics.
What You’ll Need: Usually you need a high school diploma, clean driving record, and valid driver’s license.
Worth Considering: While this field offers steady work, it can be physically demanding and carries a much higher risk of injury from lifting or driving-related accidents.
3. Software Developers
U.S. Outlook: The tech role of software developer is growing fast—15% projected growth from 2024 to 2034. The median salary in 2024 was $131,450, with the top 10% of earners making more than $211,450.
Why It’s Safe from AI: AI can automate certain tasks, but it can’t replace the innovative thinking and understanding of nuances that a human developer brings to complex software projects.
What You’ll Need: Typically, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer/information technology or a related field, plus strong technical and communication skills.
Worth Considering: This is a high-paying, flexible career with remote work options and strong job security—but it does require ongoing learning as technology evolves.
4. Construction Laborers/Helpers and Carpenters
U.S. Outlook: Two career paths to highlight in the trades are becoming a construction laborer/helper or a carpenter. Sometimes, individuals work as a construction helper before eventually working as a carpenter. Construction laborer and helper jobs are expected to grow by 7% from 2024 to 2034—faster than average. The median salary for laborers in 2024 was $46,050, while carpenters earned $59,310. The projected growth rate for carpenters is about as fast as average.
Why It’s Safe from AI: These jobs require manual labor, physical presence, and problem-solving on-site—tasks that are difficult to automate.
What You’ll Need: Many construction laborers and helpers start with on-the-job training. Carpenters often need a high school diploma and may complete an apprenticeship. You also must pass an OSHA safety course to work as a carpenter.
Worth Considering: These roles offer steady work but carry a risk of injury. Construction laborers have a very high risk of injury, and carpenters occasionally get injured on the job. Safety training is key.
5. Retail Sales Workers
U.S. Outlook: While growth is flat, the field still has a high number of openings due to turnover. In 2024, the median salary was $34,730.
Why It’s Safe from AI: Even with self-checkout and online shopping, there is still a need for humans to provide customer service, oversee the checkout process, assist customers with questions, and prevent theft.
What You’ll Need: No formal education is required—training is usually on the job.
Worth Considering: This type of job is ideal for if you enjoy face-to-face interaction and a fast-paced work environment.
6. Food Processing Equipment Workers
U.S. Outlook: Jobs for food processing equipment workers are expected to grow by 5% from 2024-2034, faster than average. The median pay in 2024 was $40,050 annually.
Why It’s Safe from AI: To ensure food safety, human supervision is quite important in this AI-powered industry.
What You’ll Need: Sometimes a high school diploma is required, with training typically provided on the job.
Worth Considering: You’ll need to be detail-oriented and able to handle repetitive tasks—often on your feet for long hours.
7. Taxi Drivers, Shuttle Drivers, and Chauffeurs
U.S. Outlook: This field is growing quickly—9% projected growth from 2024 to 2034. The median salary in 2024 was $36,660.
Why It’s Safe from AI: While self-driving cars exist in the testing phase, they’re not currently in use. Human drivers are still needed for navigation, customer care, and vehicle management.
What You’ll Need: No formal education is required—just a valid driver’s license and, in some cases, a limousine or taxi license.
Worth Considering: This is a great fit if you’re comfortable driving for long hours and enjoy meeting new people.
8. Registered Nurses
U.S. Outlook: Nursing continues to grow, with a 5% increase expected from 2024 to 2034. The median salary in 2024 was $93,600.
Why It’s Safe from AI: AI can’t provide the empathy, care, and physical presence needed for patient support—key to nursing.
What You’ll Need: A nursing degree or diploma (associate’s, bachelor’s, or diploma program) and a state-issued license are required.
Worth Considering: Nursing is physically and emotionally demanding but highly rewarding for those who want to make a difference.
9. Food and Beverage Serving/Related Workers
U.S. Outlook: These roles are expected to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034. In 2024, the median salary was $31,040.
Why It’s Safe from AI: Food service involves constant human interaction and physical presence—tasks that robots haven’t mastered yet.
What You’ll Need: No formal education is required. Most people learn on the job.
Worth Considering: This is a fast-paced job with room for advancement, especially for those with a strong work ethic and people skills.
10. Administrative and Service Managers
U.S. Outlook:
Administrative and service manager roles are projected to grow steadily, by 4% from 2024 to 2034. In 2024, the median salary was $106,880.
Why It’s Safe from AI: AI can help with data, but decision-making, leadership, and crisis management still rely heavily on human judgment.
What You’ll Need: A bachelor’s degree and related work experience are typically required.
Worth Considering: This role may involve long hours and high responsibility—but it also offers leadership opportunities and strong compensation.
11. Substance Abuse/Behavioral Disorder/Mental Health Counselors and Social Workers
U.S. Outlook: Mental health counseling is expected to grow 17%, while social work is expected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034. In 2024, median salaries were $59,190 for mental health counselors and $61,330 for social workers.
Why It’s Safe from AI: AI can’t replicate human empathy, emotional support, or therapeutic relationships.
What You’ll Need: Social work positions usually require a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in the field. A license may also be needed. Counseling professionals need varying levels of education depending on which type of counseling, ranging from a high school diploma to a master’s degree. In some cases, licensing is also required.
Worth Considering: These roles can be emotionally intense but deeply fulfilling for those driven to help others.
12. Project Management Specialists
U.S. Outlook: Project management specialist jobs are expected to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034. The median salary in 2024 was $100,750.
Why It’s Safe from AI: AI can help with tasks, but strategic planning, leadership, and stakeholder communication still require human interaction.
What You’ll Need: Usually a related bachelor’s degree is required to work as a project management specialist. Certifications can boost job prospects.
Worth Considering: Strong time management, communication, and problem-solving skills are key.
13. Postsecondary Teachers
U.S. Outlook: Teaching at the college level is expected to grow 7%, faster than average, from 2024-2034. The median salary in 2024 was $83,980.
Why It’s Safe from AI: Students often prefer real human instructors who can engage, guide, and personalize learning.
What You’ll Need: Usually a Ph.D. is required, though master’s degrees may be sufficient for community college teaching. Related work experience is also needed in some cases.
Worth Considering: This is a long academic path but rewarding for those passionate about education and research.
14. High School Teachers
U.S. Outlook: Although high school teaching is projected to decline by 2% from 2024-2034, there will still be around 66,200 job openings per year due to retirements and turnover. The median salary in 2024 was $64,580.
Why It’s Safe from AI: Parents and communities still value trusted, human educators for children and teens.
What You’ll Need: A bachelor’s degree and state teaching license are typically required.
Worth Considering: This is a good option for those who love working with young people and want to make an impact.
15. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
U.S. Outlook: One of the fastest-growing fields, personal care aide roles are projected to grow by 17%, with around 765,000 openings expected each year through 2034. The median salary in 2024 was $34,900.
Why It’s Safe from AI: Personal care involves physical assistance and emotional support—tasks that require a human presence.
What You’ll Need: Usually a high school diploma is needed, and additional state requirements vary. Some may complete a career training program to learn the skills.
Worth Considering: While not the highest-paying job, it can be incredibly meaningful for those who love to care for others.
Yes, AI is reshaping the job market, yet it’s not the end of employment options—it’s the beginning of a new era. Many roles still require empathy, creativity, physical presence, and judgment that only humans can offer.
Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, making a career change, or reentering after military service or family leave, many jobs offer growth potential—even in an AI-powered world.
