According to Gallup, 22% of U.S. workers now fear losing their jobs to generative AI—a 7% jump since 2021. As companies accelerate plans to automate roles, many workers are racing to pivot into AI-driven positions to safeguard their careers by 2030.
But what about those who aren’t prepared for AI-heavy jobs or simply don’t want them? If you’re looking for well-paying, in-demand roles that AI is unlikely to replace anytime soon, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
Resume Genius recently released its 2025 Fastest-Growing, AI-Proof Jobs Report, highlighting 10 of the best-paying, fastest-growing careers least likely to be automated.
“AI can write code and analyze data, but it can’t comfort a patient or make a critical judgment in the moment,” says Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius. “Today’s safest jobs are the most human ones—those that rely on care, judgment, and presence.”
To compile the list, Resume Genius used U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data to identify occupations projected to grow by over 10% between 2023 and 2030, with an automation risk below 50%, and median U.S. salaries of at least $49,500.
Healthcare and engineering roles dominate the top 10, offering high earning potential and long-term stability even as AI transforms the job market. The list below is ranked by highest to lowest median salary, along with estimated job growth and AI automation risk.
10 AI-Resistant, High-Paying, Fast-Growth Jobs
1. Computer and Information Research Scientist
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Median salary: $149,910
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Job growth: 26%
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AI takeover risk: 31%
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Education: Master’s degree
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Why AI can’t replace it: While AI can help with data analysis, it can’t match the human creativity and theoretical problem-solving required to design entirely new systems.
2. Physician Assistant
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Median salary: $133,260
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Job growth: 28%
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AI takeover risk: 0%
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Education: Master’s degree
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Why it’s safe: Healthcare tasks are hard to automate—McKinsey estimates only 35% of provider time is automatable. Patient interaction and medical judgment keep this role secure.
3. Nurse Practitioner
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Median salary: $132,050
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Job growth: 40%
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AI takeover risk: 0%
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Education: Master’s degree
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Why it’s safe: These roles demand complex problem-solving, creativity, and interpersonal care AI can’t replicate.
4. Veterinarian
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Median salary: $125,510
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Job growth: 19%
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AI takeover risk: 7%
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Education: Doctorate or professional degree
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Why it’s safe: The role combines deep biological knowledge, precise manual skills for surgery, and communication with pet owners.
5. Medical and Health Services Manager
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Median salary: $117,960
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Job growth: 29%
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AI takeover risk: 16%
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Education: Bachelor’s degree
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Why it’s safe: Management in healthcare requires ethical decision-making, interpersonal skills, and adaptability AI can’t match.
6. Speech-Language Pathologist
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Median salary: $95,410
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Job growth: 18%
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AI takeover risk: 9%
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Education: Master’s degree
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Why it’s safe: Diagnosis and treatment are highly personal, requiring emotional intelligence and custom plans.
7. Operations Research Analyst
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Median salary: $91,290
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Job growth: 23%
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AI takeover risk: 42%
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Education: Bachelor’s degree
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Why it’s safe: AI can speed up calculations, but real-world problem-solving and judgment remain human strengths.
8. Epidemiologist
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Median salary: $83,980
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Job growth: 19%
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AI takeover risk: 7%
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Education: Master’s degree
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Why it’s safe: Research is aided by AI, but ethical decisions and interpreting complex data demand human oversight.
9. Logistician
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Median salary: $80,880
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Job growth: 19%
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AI takeover risk: 38%
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Education: Bachelor’s degree
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Why it’s safe: While AI improves efficiency, logisticians make ethical calls and adapt plans to real-world conditions.
10. Wind Turbine Technician
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Median salary: $62,580
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Job growth: 60%
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AI takeover risk: 39%
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Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
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Why it’s safe: Tasks require climbing turbines, making on-the-spot repairs, and exercising safety judgment in the field.
Tips to Qualify for AI-Resistant, High-Paying Roles
1. Develop essential soft skills
Resume Genius experts note AI is likely to create more jobs than it destroys. But adaptability, creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving are critical to staying competitive.
2. Use AI as an ally
Rather than avoiding AI, learn to use it as a productivity tool to automate routine tasks, freeing yourself to focus on complex, creative work that requires human judgment.
3. Stay on top of industry trends
Regularly read industry news, attend professional events, and consider courses or workshops that help you understand and adapt to emerging technologies in your field.
Eva Chan concludes: “Healthcare and science jobs will continue to grow. Many top roles today—like nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and speech-language pathologists—depend on real-time decision-making, interpersonal care, and emotional intelligence. These are skills AI isn’t built to handle, and they’re exactly what will keep people employed in an increasingly automated world.”