The AI revolution is already transforming how software developers work, and they are far from the only professionals feeling the impact.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which recently classified the AI exposure of hundreds of occupations based on published studies, 206 out of 831 jobs are considered to have "very high" relative AI exposure. Notably, over 100 of these roles command a median annual wage of at least $75,000.
The BLS defines "very high" relative AI exposure as occupations in which a larger fraction of tasks can be completed or assisted by AI technology, and in which large language models (LLMs) have already been observed performing some of the occupation's core tasks. Crucially, the BLS notes that this high exposure does not necessarily equate to job loss; rather, it signals a fundamental shift in how the work is performed.
Many of these highly exposed roles are not only lucrative but are also projected to experience significant growth. Below are 10 high-paying jobs with "very high" AI exposure and the highest projected employment growth from 2025 to 2035.
Top 10 High-Growth, High-AI-Exposure Jobs (2025–2035)
| Job Title | Projected Employment Change (2025–2035) | Median Annual Wage (2025) | Employment in 2025 | Employment in 2035 |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Software Developers** | +174,700 | $136,000 | 1.7M | 1.9M |
| **Management Analysts** | +109,200 | $102,000 | 1.1M | 1.2M |
| **Computer & Information Systems Managers** | +108,100 | $175,000 | 685,800 | 793,900 |
| **Data Scientists** | +95,400 | $120,000 | 275,600 | 371,000 |
| **Financial Managers** | +84,900 | $167,000 | 879,700 | 964,600 |
| **Accountants and Auditors** | +79,400 | $84,000 | 1.6M | 1.7M |
| **Project Management Specialists** | +73,200 | $102,000 | 1.1M | 1.2M |
| **Market Research Analysts & Marketing Specialists**| +66,300 | $79,000 | 952,700 | 1.0M |
| **Human Resources Specialists** | +60,100 | $76,000 | 939,700 | 999,700 |
| **Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers** | +49,900 | $107,000 | 278,400 | 328,300 |
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics*
The Software Development Boom
Employment for software developers is projected to surge by nearly 175,000, reaching approximately 2 million workers by 2035. This ranks as the 6th largest projected employment boom across all occupations over the decade.
The BLS attributes this strong demand to the continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and other automation applications. The bureau also highlighted a growing need for workers to develop security software and build software-based systems for consumer electronics, IoT-connected devices, and electric vehicles (EVs).
The Human Element in Tech
While AI streamlines workflows, human expertise remains irreplaceable. Software engineer Dan Krzyzanowski previously noted that he appreciates how AI eliminates the "boring elements" of software engineering.
"I really appreciate the fact that I can remove the monotony from my day-to-day and focus on creating," Krzyzanowski said. However, he emphasized that proficient programmers must still master core coding elements, including debugging, as AI-generated code frequently requires careful human review.
Non-Tech Roles in the AI Era
The AI revolution extends well beyond traditional tech roles. Human resources specialists, for example, are increasingly encountering AI-developed résumés and utilizing AI tools to screen applicants and attract new talent.
Brian Elliott, CEO of the advisory group Work Forward, noted in an *MIT Sloan Management Review* column that chief HR officers are at a critical crossroads.
"One path leads to a weakening of the HR role, with more functions automated (like onboarding and learning) or taken on by other business leaders armed with new tools (like skill-based screening during recruitment)," Elliott explained. "The other path leads to the kind of evolution that elevates the HR role, with HR not just taking the lead in driving organizational transformation and engagement, but taking ownership of how incoming and current employees interact with AI."
Low-Exposure Alternatives
For those seeking careers with less AI disruption, certain high-paying, fast-growing roles remain relatively insulated. The BLS highlights physician assistants and optometrists as occupations with "low" relative AI exposure.
According to the BLS, this classification indicates that the requirements of these occupations do not currently align well with the capabilities of AI models, and LLMs have not been observed performing many of their core, hands-on tasks.