Key Takeaways: CNA Salary Guide 2026
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Since the introduction of generative AI in late 2022, the relationship between human labor and artificial intelligence has changed drastically. What started as a huge second leap for humanity to improve our lives quickly turned into a troubling realization and fear of the future, where AI and automation might take over everyone’s jobs.
Now, if you were to Google or search ChatGPT (know thy enemy) for terms like AI and jobs, you’ll come across endless pages filled to the brim with fear, uncertainty, and questions like:
While this fear is understandable, given the inherent complexity of human nature, the good news is that there are many jobs, 69 to be exact, particularly in healthcare, IT, and business, that are safe from the risk of AI and automation.
This report provides a definitive analysis of specific occupations that demonstrate high resilience against automation. By examining macroeconomic data from 2024 and 2025, alongside labor projections stretching to 2033, the evidence suggests that while task-level automation is accelerating, full job elimination remains rare for roles defined by empathy, social perceptiveness, and high-stakes physical dexterity.
NOTE: This is raw data that includes the overall list of roles that are safe or at minimal risk of AI replacement.
| # | Occupation | Job score | Risk level | Risk level (voted) | Median wage (US) | Projected growth (by 2033) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emergency Management Directors | 6.4/10 | 0.00% | 34.09% | 83,960 | 4.00% |
| 2 | Security Managers | 8.0/10 | 0.00% | 28.00% | 102,340 | 5.30% |
| 3 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | 7.3/10 | 0.00% | 27.43% | 103,460 | -0.50% |
| 4 | Civil Engineers | 8.2/10 | 0.00% | 29.90% | 95,890 | 6.50% |
| 5 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | 7.5/10 | 0.00% | 32.99% | 223,310 | 3.40% |
| 6 | Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary | 7.0/10 | 0.00% | 27.08% | 93,650 | 3.80% |
| 7 | Occupational Therapists | 8.9/10 | 0.00% | 19.48% | 96,370 | 11.10% |
| 8 | Clinical Nurse Specialists | 8.5/10 | 0.00% | 22.66% | 86,070 | 6.00% |
| 9 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | 7.8/10 | 0.00% | 18.62% | 101,750 | 3.80% |
| 10 | Hospitalists | 7.8/10 | 0.00% | 30.56% | 236,000 | 3.90% |
| 11 | Neuropsychologists | 7.8/10 | 0.00% | 23.65% | 117,750 | 5.00% |
| 12 | Chief Executives | 8.3/10 | 0.00% | 24.85% | 206,680 | 5.50% |
| 13 | Urologists | 8.0/10 | 0.00% | 24.04% | 236,000 | 3.90% |
| 14 | Physical Therapists | 9.0/10 | 0.00% | 23.46% | 99,710 | 14.20% |
| 15 | First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | 7.5/10 | 0.00% | 25.00% | 86,220 | 4.20% |
| 16 | Nurse Anesthetists | 8.0/10 | 0.00% | 34.93% | 212,650 | 10.40% |
| 17 | Nurse Midwives | 8.1/10 | 0.00% | 23.41% | 129,650 | 7.10% |
| 18 | Nurse Practitioners | 9.0/10 | 0.00% | 28.93% | 126,260 | 46.30% |
| 19 | Dentists, General | 8.2/10 | 0.00% | 14.40% | 166,300 | 4.80% |
| 20 | Physician Assistants | 8.7/10 | 0.00% | 31.10% | 130,020 | 28.50% |
| 21 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses | 8.5/10 | 0.00% | 10.00% | 86,070 | 6.00% |
| 22 | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians | 8.0/10 | 0.00% | 27.03% | 236,000 | 3.90% |
| 23 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 7.3/10 | 0.00% | 20.95% | 80,360 | 2.70% |
| 24 | Sports Medicine Physicians | 8.2/10 | 0.00% | 15.70% | 236,000 | 3.90% |
| 25 | Preventive Medicine Physicians | 7.5/10 | 0.00% | 37.50% | 236,000 | 3.90% |
| 26 | Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | 6.9/10 | 0.00% | 35.07% | 82,140 | 5.00% |
| 27 | Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | 7.5/10 | 0.00% | 42.65% | 80,780 | 17.90% |
| 28 | Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | 6.4/10 | 0.00% | 37.96% | 105,770 | 3.20% |
| 29 | Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | 7.8/10 | 0.00% | 42.13% | 93,310 | 7.80% |
| 30 | Clinical Neuropsychologists | 7.6/10 | 0.00% | 29.49% | 117,750 | 5.00% |
| 31 | Critical Care Nurses | 8.5/10 | 0.00% | 21.35% | 86,070 | 6.00% |
| 32 | Physicists | 8.3/10 | 0.58% | 21.80% | 155,680 | 7.20% |
| 33 | Urban and Regional Planners | 7.4/10 | 0.64% | 24.56% | 81,800 | 4.30% |
| 34 | Chief Sustainability Officers | 7.9/10 | 0.84% | 35.00% | 206,680 | 5.50% |
| 35 | Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | 7.8/10 | 1.45% | 24.91% | 100,730 | 7.40% |
| 36 | Biologists | 7.7/10 | 1.48% | 26.17% | 91,100 | 5.60% |
| 37 | Pediatricians, General | 7.5/10 | 2.11% | 21.93% | 198,690 | 2.10% |
| 38 | Biochemists and Biophysicists | 8.0/10 | 2.23% | 30.48% | 107,460 | 9.00% |
| 39 | Environmental Engineers | 8.0/10 | 3.05% | 29.30% | 100,090 | 6.90% |
| 40 | Construction Managers | 8.9/10 | 3.15% | 23.28% | 104,900 | 9.10% |
| 41 | Naturopathic Physicians | 6.4/10 | 3.16% | 39.53% | 107,990 | 2.60% |
| 42 | Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 6.2/10 | 3.54% | 33.33% | 85,260 | 4.80% |
| 43 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 7.6/10 | 5.15% | 35.19% | 83,920 | 8.40% |
| 44 | Acute Care Nurses | 7.4/10 | 5.76% | 15.63% | 86,070 | 6.00% |
| 45 | Water/Wastewater Engineers | 8.5/10 | 5.81% | 15.48% | 95,890 | 6.50% |
| 46 | Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | 7.4/10 | 6.28% | 27.32% | 147,420 | 5.80% |
| 47 | Prosthodontists | 6.3/10 | 6.49% | 39.66% | 234,000 | 3.50% |
| 48 | Water Resource Specialists | 7.6/10 | 6.57% | 48.21% | 157,740 | 7.50% |
| 49 | Hydrologists | 6.3/10 | 6.65% | 28.89% | 88,770 | 2.80% |
| 50 | Epidemiologists | 7.5/10 | 6.71% | 30.75% | 81,390 | 18.80% |
| 51 | Veterinarians | 8.8/10 | 6.83% | 23.67% | 119,100 | 19.10% |
| 52 | Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers | 7.0/10 | 7.08% | 30.00% | 103,690 | 5.10% |
| 53 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 7.7/10 | 7.36% | 43.33% | 105,650 | 18.80% |
| 54 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 6.2/10 | 7.39% | 41.18% | 100,690 | 3.80% |
| 55 | Allergists and Immunologists | 7.5/10 | 7.73% | 31.82% | 236,000 | 3.90% |
| 56 | Transportation Engineers | 8.0/10 | 7.94% | 32.86% | 95,890 | 6.50% |
| 57 | Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 6.1/10 | 8.38% | 25.00% | 101,650 | 5.00% |
| 58 | Speech-Language Pathologists | 8.6/10 | 8.69% | 21.07% | 89,290 | 18.40% |
| 59 | Registered Nurses | 8.1/10 | 9.59% | 24.31% | 86,070 | 6.00% |
| 60 | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 6.9/10 | 10.07% | 27.44% | 91,100 | 2.30% |
| 61 | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | 8.0/10 | 10.11% | 32.42% | 81,140 | 14.90% |
| 62 | Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 5.6/10 | 10.11% | 40.91% | 88,410 | 3.90% |
| 63 | Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | 7.7/10 | 10.24% | 26.62% | 100,270 | 8.00% |
| 64 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | 7.9/10 | 10.63% | 34.67% | 96,100 | 13.30% |
| 65 | Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | 7.3/10 | 11.07% | 37.50% | 111,970 | 5.00% |
| 66 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | 7.4/10 | 11.13% | 25.00% | 133,560 | 5.70% |
| 67 | Chemical Engineers | 7.8/10 | 11.41% | 30.20% | 112,100 | 9.80% |
| 68 | Agricultural Engineers | 6.7/10 | 11.99% | 38.10% | 88,750 | 7.80% |
| 69 | Astronomers | 7.7/10 | 12.13% | 29.74% | 127,930 | 7.40% |
Source: Will Robots Take My Job
As mentioned above, the industries (and roles within) demonstrating the highest stability and low risk of AI replacement are Healthcare, Technology, and Business because they share a common thread: they require human judgment, empathy, and adaptability in unpredictable situations.
The healthcare sector is widely recognized as the most AI-resilient industry. This stability is because of the empathy factor or the social and psychological necessity of human-to-human care that remains the defining characteristic of clinical practice.
While AI can analyze a medical image or suggest a diagnosis based on symptoms, it cannot navigate the emotional complexities of a patient’s journey or perform the intricate physical tasks required in surgical and clinical settings.
General Internal Medicine Physicians and Surgeons are among the most secure roles in the economy. Their work involves a mix of complex problem-solving, manual dexterity, and social perceptiveness.
Furthermore, the process of diagnosing an illness often requires reading a patient’s non-verbal cues and understanding their social context, which are what jobs AI can’t replace.
| Job | Annual Salary (Average) | Growth Potential |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $239,200 | 3% or 23,600 job openings |
| Clinical Nurse Specialists | $93,600 | 5% or 189,100 openings |
| Neuropsychologists | $94,310 | 6% or 12,900 openings |
| Urologists | $239,200 | 3% or 23,600 job openings |
| Physical Therapists | $101,020 | 11% or 13,200 |
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics
Senior or advanced medical jobs being safe from AI is expected; however, even entry-level allied healthcare roles are safe from automation. Granted, you will need to complete healthcare training programs like the ones offered by CCI Training Center and get certified.
Despite being entry-level roles, the reason is the same, i.e., empathy and patient handling. If you want to learn in detail, you can check this guide on why AI can’t replace pharmacy technicians.
| Job | Annual Salary (Average) | Growth Potential |
| Pharmacy Technician | $43,460 | 6% or 49,000 openings |
| Radiology Technician (LMRT) | $77,660 | 5% or 15,400 openings |
| Medical Assistant | $44,200 | 12% or 112,300 openings |
| Medical Biller and Coder | $50,250 | 7% or 14,200 openings |
| Recreational Therapist | $60,280 | 3% or 1,300 openings |
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics
In the technology sector, the narrative of “AI replacing coders” is being replaced by a more nuanced understanding of “AI-assisted engineering.”
While basic, high-volume code creation is susceptible to automation, the roles that design, secure, and integrate these systems are among the top jobs that are safe from AI.
Not to mention that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in professional, scientific, and technical services will increase by 10.5 percent through 2033, more than double the national average growth rate for all occupations.
Now, tech roles are interesting; they do not have a distinct role that stands out as safest from robot automation. With that said, traditional roles are evolving into new, more complex archetypes.
AI cannot replace an engineer who must translate vague business priorities into measurable technical outcomes or manage the risks of AI hallucinations that could erode corporate trust.
| Job | Annual Salary (Average) | Growth Potential |
| Software Developers/Quality Assurance Analysts | $131,450 | 15% or 129,200 openings |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | 29% or 16,000 openings |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $123,100 | 4% or 7,800 openings |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $140,910 | 20% or 3,200 openings |
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics
Much like allied healthcare, you will need to enroll and complete IT training programs to be eligible for industry-standard certifications like CompTIA A+.
The following roles are protected from the risk of AI automation, as they have strong hands-on elements, which artificial intelligence simply can’t achieve.
| Job | Annual Salary (Average) | Growth Potential |
| Computer Support Specialist | $60,340 | 50,500 openings |
| Computer Network Specialist | $73,340 | 50,500 openings |
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics
NOTE: While there are other entry-level IT roles that are AI-proof as well, these two are the ideal starting points.
The business sector remains resilient against automation in areas that demand leadership, creative strategy, and complex interpersonal negotiation. While AI is increasingly effective at data entry, basic bookkeeping, and simple financial analysis, it lacks the emotional intelligence to lead teams or resolve organizational conflicts.
| Job | Annual Salary (Average) | Growth Potential |
| Project Management Specialists | $100,750 | 6% or 78,200 job openings |
| Management Analysts | $101,190 | 9% or 98,100 job openings |
| Financial/Investment Analysts | $99,010 | 6% or 29,900 openings |
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics
It should be noted that while roles like data entry are rapidly being replaced by AI, business and accounting-trained professionals are still needed in the job market.
| Job | Annual Salary (Average) | Growth Potential |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $47,460 | 358,300 openings |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $49,210 | 170,000 openings |
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics
According to the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, in 2024, artificial intelligence was responsible for creating approximately 119,900 direct jobs in the United States, primarily through the expansion of data centers, AI model training, and the development of new engineering disciplines.
In contrast, outplacement firms reported that only 12,700 jobs were lost due to AI during the same period, representing just 0.1 percent of all layoffs. This net gain illustrates that the technological revolution is reshaping work rather than hollowing it out. The primary impact is not full job elimination but “task automation,” where AI handles repetitive, data-heavy functions while humans are elevated to higher-value oversight and decision-making roles.
The divergence between technical capability and real-world application is significant. MIT research estimates that AI can technically perform work equivalent to approximately 11.7% of U.S. jobs; however, the actual implementation of these capabilities is slowed by economic, regulatory, and social barriers.
This gap provides a strategic advantage for professionals who focus on what jobs AI won’t replace, which brings us back to the above-mentioned industries, i.e., Healthcare, Technology, and Business, demonstrating the highest stability.
While the 2024-2025 period has been marked by a transition in how work is performed, the sectors of technology, healthcare, and business continue to offer robust opportunities for those who focus on high-touch and high-stakes expertise. The evidence from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and specialized labor models suggests that jobs that AI can’t replace are those that refuse to be reduced to simple data points.
For individuals entering the workforce, the path forward involves choosing career paths that emphasize empathy, creativity, and manual precision.
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Jobs that require high levels of manual dexterity (surgeons, technicians), deep empathy (nurses, therapists), and complex human negotiation (managers, leaders) are the least likely to be taken away. Roles that involve messy, unstructured data or physical hardware are also safe.
Most workers will not lose their jobs but will see their tasks change. AI is a tool that automates repetitive functions, allowing humans to focus on higher-value problem-solving and social interaction. Full job loss remains a small percentage of total labor turnover.
According to industry analysis, the three most resilient categories are Healthcare practitioners (doctors, nurses), Skilled trades (electricians, technicians), and Creative Strategy/Management. These roles share a need for human judgment and adaptability.
Historically and currently, automation creates more roles than it eliminates. While some specific functions are automated, the resulting increase in productivity and wealth creation typically fuels the expansion of new service and technical sectors.
Roles that are strictly repetitive, structured, and rule-based are at the highest risk. This includes level-1 customer support, basic data entry, telemarketing, and simple bookkeeping tasks that can be handled by algorithms.






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