Despite growing concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping the job market, certain professions remain relatively secure—for now. While roles in communication, writing, and education face increasing automation risks, a recent study by Microsoft sheds light on the types of jobs least likely to be disrupted by generative AI.
The study analyzed over 200,000 anonymized conversations with Bing Copilot to determine an “AI applicability score”—a metric reflecting how easily AI could perform a given job’s tasks. Higher scores signal a greater risk of displacement. Not surprisingly, jobs focused on providing information, writing, teaching, or advising were flagged as the most vulnerable.
What made this study stand out, however, was its focus on roles that are comparatively safe from AI’s reach. Microsoft’s findings suggest that healthcare positions and many blue-collar trades are currently among the least likely to be affected.
Here are the 20 jobs with the lowest AI applicability scores, according to Microsoft’s analysis:
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Dredge Operators
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Bridge and Lock Tenders
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Water Treatment Plant and System Operators
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Foundry Mold and Coremakers
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Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
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Pile Driver Operators
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Floor Sanders and Finishers
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Orderlies
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Motorboat Operators
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Logging Equipment Operators
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Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
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Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
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Roustabouts (Oil and Gas)
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Roofers
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Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
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Helpers–Roofers
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Tire Builders
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Surgical Assistants
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Massage Therapists
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Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Other roles also considered relatively resistant to AI disruption include industrial truck and tractor operators, highway maintenance workers, dishwashers, automotive glass installers, embalmers, and phlebotomists.
While AI will undoubtedly continue transforming the workforce, these jobs—rooted in physical labor, human care, or highly specialized manual tasks—appear more insulated from immediate automation.