Ranked by automation safety
If you are choosing a career or thinking about pivoting, these 20 professions have the lowest automation risk in the 2026 Job Risk Index. The pattern is consistent: work that depends on physical presence, human judgement and relationships is the hardest to automate.
Each entry shows the score, the salary context and the skills worth building. Safety is relative — every role changes — but these are the jobs we expect to keep most of their current shape.
Low risk does not mean no change. Every profile shows the timeline and the skills worth building. Compare them with the 10 jobs AI will replace first to see the full range of the index.
Scores, timelines and demand signals come from the 2026 Job Risk Index. See the methodology. Methodology
Ranking from the dataset by a versioned rule; selection and copy reviewed by G. Roman Aaron before publication. Written with AI assistance, checked by a human. Last human audit: 2026-08-06 (G. Roman Aaron).
Nursing sits near the very bottom of our index at 5 out of 100, on a horizon of a decade or more, and the labor outlook is expansive: employment of…
This role scores just 5/100 (low) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 10+ years.
Median salary $97,550 · 3,379,720 employed · outlook +4.9% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Nursing, CPR
A therapist's work rests on the relationship itself, reading emotion, earning trust, sitting with a client through difficulty, and adjusting to a person rather than a protocol. That human core…
This role scores just 10/100 (low) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 10+ years.
Median salary $102,760 · 267,330 employed · outlook +10.9% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Evidence-based specialized modalities, Teletherapy & digital practice, Clinical supervision
Commercial and industrial designers translate user needs and manufacturing constraints into tangible products, balancing aesthetics with function, safety, and cost. The role centers on iterative judgment: preparing sketches and detailed…
This role scores just 24/100 (low) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 10+ years.
Median salary $83,910 · 33,490 employed · outlook +3.2% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: UI/UX, Design Tools, LLMs / GenAI
Teaching is far more than delivering information: it is motivating a room, adapting on the fly to who is and isn't following, managing behavior, and building the trust that makes…
This role scores just 25/100 (low) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 10+ years.
Median salary $63,970 · 1,388,390 employed · outlook -2.0% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: AI-integrated pedagogy, Personalized & differentiated instruction, Social-emotional learning support
This is one of the healthier outlooks in our index despite heavy task exposure. The labor projection is 15.8% growth by 2034 for 1,687,890 engineers, who earn a median $135,980.…
This role scores just 30/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $135,980 · 1,687,890 employed · outlook +15.8% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Python, Java, REST APIs
Lawyers represent clients in legal proceedings, draft documents, and advise on rights and obligations. Core tasks include preparing contracts, negotiating agreements, interpreting laws, and analyzing case precedents. While artificial intelligence…
This role scores just 31/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $159,670 · 754,500 employed · outlook +4.1% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Critical Thinking, Negotiation, Data Mining Software
Producers and directors orchestrate the creative and logistical elements of stage, television, film, and video productions. Their core tasks involve reviewing performer materials, reading scripts, selecting actors, and maintaining talent…
This role scores just 32/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $90,360 · 143,120 employed · outlook +4.9% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Marketing, Copywriting, Workday
Advertising and promotions managers orchestrate campaigns from concept to placement, coordinating clients, creative teams, media buyers, and internal departments. Day-to-day work includes reviewing layouts, editing scripts, checking that promotional materials…
This role scores just 33/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $133,660 · 21,470 employed · outlook -2.2% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Business intelligence and data analysis software, Customer relationship management software, Complex Problem Solving
Social and community service managers coordinate programs that address local needs, liaising with partner agencies and overseeing staff. While administrative tasks like record keeping and budget tracking are increasingly supported…
This role scores just 34/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $80,390 · 209,330 employed · outlook +6.4% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Data-driven program evaluation, Project management software, Strategic community partnership development
Human resources is growing steadily: employment of specialists is projected to rise 6.2% by 2034, across a field of 912,430. The role mixes process and people, screening and contacting applicants,…
This role scores just 35/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $75,940 · 912,430 employed · outlook +6.2% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Data Pipelines, Workday, Experimentation
Deciding what's worth covering, chasing leads, researching the background, and writing it for print or broadcast is reporting, work where AI mostly assists rather than replaces. Observed use bears that…
This role scores just 35/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $62,200 · 39,250 employed · outlook -3.9% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Investigative & original reporting, Data journalism, Verification & source development
Production supervisors directly coordinate and oversee manufacturing and industrial workers, ensuring productivity and safety. Their role involves training employees, monitoring performance, enforcing regulations, and handling personnel actions. While automation and…
This role scores just 36/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $74,450 · 673,430 employed · outlook +1.2% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Excel, Food Safety, PowerPoint
Labor Relations Specialists navigate the human center of workplace conflict, meeting with unions, management, and employees to resolve grievances and shape collective bargaining agreements. Their daily work involves drafting contract…
This role scores just 38/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $95,420 · 64,810 employed · outlook -0.1% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Strategic negotiation and conflict resolution, Collective bargaining documentation and legal analysis, Workforce data analysis using spreadsheet and HR systems
Compensation and benefits managers direct how organizations pay and support employees. They oversee benefit programs, design competitive compensation policies, and communicate personnel plans. Routine data processing, spreadsheet-based analysis, and benefits…
This role scores just 39/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $149,230 · 22,940 employed · outlook +0.2% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: HR software proficiency, Benefits data analytics, M&A benefits integration
Compliance Officers examine and evaluate eligibility for conformity with laws and regulations governing permits, licenses, and contracts. Core tasks include interviewing individuals to uncover violations, reviewing permits and records, issuing…
This role scores just 40/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $80,730 · 417,070 employed · outlook +3.0% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Workday, LLMs / GenAI, Six Sigma
Financial managers coordinate accounting, investing, and regulatory compliance activities. Core tasks include preparing for regulatory inquiries, evaluating staff, developing security valuation policies, and attending investment briefings to stay informed. They…
This role scores just 40/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $166,570 · 841,710 employed · outlook +14.8% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Excel, Time Series, Looker
Marketing management is well-paid and growing: a median wage of $166,790, among the highest in our index, with employment projected to rise 6.6% by 2034; the field holds 395,240 managers.…
This role scores just 40/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $166,790 · 395,240 employed · outlook +6.6% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Optimization, Experimentation, Marketing
Unusually for a tech role, the outlook here is negative: a projected 6.0% decline for the 92,230 people in this coding role by 2034. Observed use tilts toward automation, about…
This role scores just 40/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $100,390 · 92,230 employed · outlook -6.0% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Software architecture & system design, Code review & AI pair-programming, Debugging complex systems
Retail salespersons engage with customers to understand their needs, recommend products, process transactions, and ensure store security. While routine transactions may be automated through self-checkout and online ordering, the role…
This role scores just 41/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $35,410 · 3,897,860 employed · outlook -0.5% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Customer Service, Warehouse Operations, HTML
Industrial production managers plan, direct, and coordinate manufacturing operations to meet cost, quality, and quantity goals. Their work involves balancing automated systems with human oversight—for instance, stopping production for defects,…
This role scores just 42/100 (medium) on our exposure scale. The work leans on judgement, context and human interaction that machines still struggle with, so we do not expect automation to reshape it within 5-10 years.
Median salary $126,060 · 246,250 employed · outlook +1.9% (2024–34)
Skills to build next: Six Sigma, Food Safety, ERP