Frequently Asked Questions

An AI-proof job is a career that is highly resistant to automation by artificial intelligence and robots. These jobs typically require skills that are difficult for machines to replicate, such as complex physical tasks in unpredictable environments, deep human empathy, creative problem-solving, or specialized licensing requirements.

No job is 100% immune to technological change. However, some careers have characteristics that make them extremely difficult to automate with current or foreseeable technology. Jobs scoring 80+ on our scale have multiple barriers to automation and are likely to remain human-performed for decades.

Industries with high concentrations of AI-proof jobs include skilled trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), healthcare (nursing, physical therapy), and hospitality (chefs, restaurant management). These fields require physical presence, human judgment, and hands-on problem-solving that robots struggle to replicate.

While robots excel in controlled factory environments with repetitive tasks, they struggle significantly in unpredictable real-world settings. A plumber working in different buildings with varied layouts, aging infrastructure, and unexpected problems faces challenges that current robotics cannot handle. The economics also matter—deploying robots for one-off tasks in variable environments is prohibitively expensive.

The Automation Risk Score (0-100) measures how resistant a job is to AI and robotic automation. Higher scores mean greater resistance. A score of 85, for example, means the job has strong protections against automation due to factors like required physical presence, human interaction, creative judgment, or regulatory barriers.

We weight four factors: Manual Dexterity in Unpredictable Environments (40%), Social Intelligence & Negotiation (30%), Creative Problem-Solving (20%), and Regulatory/Legal Complexity (10%). Our methodology draws on peer-reviewed research including the Oxford "Future of Employment" study and MIT's Work of the Future research.

Scores of 80-100 are considered "Very Safe"—these jobs have multiple strong barriers to automation. Scores of 60-79 are "Safe" with good protection. Scores of 40-59 indicate "Moderate Risk," and below 40 suggests "Higher Risk" of automation in the coming decades.

The Investment Score (1-10) helps entrepreneurs and business investors evaluate industries. It considers demand growth trends, profit potential, barriers to entry, and the automation resistance of jobs in that industry. A high score indicates a favorable industry for starting or investing in a business.

Not necessarily. Automation risk is one factor among many in career planning. Personal interests, aptitudes, income goals, lifestyle preferences, and local job markets all matter. However, understanding automation risk helps you make informed decisions and prepare for potential industry changes.

Training times vary significantly. Some trades like HVAC or plumbing typically require 2-5 years through apprenticeships. Healthcare roles like nursing require 2-4 years of education. Skilled trades often offer "earn while you learn" apprenticeships, making them accessible without taking on student debt.

Many AI-proof careers do not require a four-year college degree. Skilled trades typically use apprenticeship models combining paid work with training. Some healthcare roles require associate degrees. The key is acquiring specific, in-demand skills—not necessarily traditional academic credentials.

Using AI as a tool is different from being replaced by AI. Many careers will incorporate AI assistance while remaining fundamentally human-performed. A nurse might use AI for diagnostics support, but patient care requires human presence. These "AI-augmented" roles often become more valuable, not less.

Salary data comes from official government sources: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), and equivalent agencies in other countries. We use median ranges to give realistic expectations.

We review and update our data quarterly. Salary figures are updated as new government statistics are released. Automation risk scores are reviewed against the latest research and technology developments. Last full review: January 2025.

Automation risk scores are universal because they measure job characteristics, not local market conditions. A plumber's work is equally hard to automate whether in New York, London, or Sydney. However, salary, demand, and training requirements do vary by country, which we show separately.

We currently provide detailed salary and demand data for the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Germany. The automation risk scores and job analysis apply globally since they measure job characteristics rather than local markets.