AI has moved fast, and it’s easy to feel both impressed and uneasy at the same time. A lot of people wonder what work will look like in 10 or 20 years, and whether certain roles will still exist in the way we know them now.
Plenty of big names have weighed in on the risks and the promise of AI, from Stephen Hawking and Bill Gates sounding warnings to Elon Musk pushing it into real products and companies. Whether that feels exciting or stressful, it’s clear this tech isn’t going anywhere.
In a piece for This Is Money.co.uk, James Reed, the chief executive of Reed, shared a list of 11 “AI-proof” jobs. He also suggested some of these careers can reach six-figure pay, especially with experience and the right path.
Health and social care
Reed said AI could reshape healthcare in a major way, from admin to certain clinical tools, but he stressed that care still needs a human presence. In many situations, the human part is the whole point.
“Care assistants work with individuals who are elderly, disabled or vulnerable, offering empathy, comfort and tailored support that no algorithm will ever be able to replicate,”
From supporting someone through anxiety to helping with personal routines or end-of-life care, Reed’s point is that empathy and connection matter. Those parts require emotional intelligence and trust, and AI can’t step into that role in a real way.
Teacher
On paper, teaching might look like something a robot could do, especially with online learning and AI tutors. But Reed argued that teaching is not just delivering information, it’s also noticing who is falling behind and helping them get back on track.
“Students need encouragement, social engagement and role modelling in ways that no AI can provide,”
Recruitment consultant
At first glance, recruitment seems like a perfect job for automation. AI can scan resumes, schedule interviews, and compare keywords against job posts, but Reed said that isn’t the full job.
He explained that people will still make the key calls on moving candidates forward. Strong recruiters do more than match a checklist, since they read between the lines, spot potential, and handle sensitive decisions with ethics and industry knowledge.
“Machines can streamline tasks, but they cannot replicate the intuition and human empathy needed to make the right match and guide careers.”
Cyber security
Tech jobs often get mentioned first when people talk about AI disruption, but Reed sees cyber security as an area where human experts stay essential. AI can help with detection and speed, but it can’t replace how a skilled person thinks through a threat.
Reed’s main reason comes down to attackers, because hackers don’t sit still and follow a script. People in cyber security have to keep adjusting as threats evolve.
Reed explained: “Hackers don’t operate in a predictable pattern: they innovate, exploit human behaviour and adapt in real time. The best cyber security specialists think like both investigator and strategist, deciphering complex threats in environments that change daily.”
Paramedics
This one feels simple, because emergencies aren’t controlled environments. You need real people making fast decisions, reading the situation, and physically helping someone who may be scared, injured, or unstable.
Reed explained: “AI may end up assisting with diagnostics or emergency response plans but it will never be able to physically respond to emergencies or exercise the judgment and compassion necessary during crises.”
Trade person
Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other skilled trades rely on hands-on work and problem-solving in the real world. Reed said these jobs aren’t easy to replace because every site and every issue can look different.
Even with better tools and smarter systems, someone still has to diagnose the problem in front of them and fix it safely. That kind of work depends on experience and judgment.
Reed stated: “Skilled trades are not just safe from AI; they’re poised to be increasingly sought after because of the transition toward green energy, sustainability and building retrofits.”
Residential surveyor
Reed said surveying isn’t just measuring a home and filling out a form. It requires professional judgment, and those decisions can have serious consequences for buyers, sellers, and lenders.
“A surveyor’s report can influence negotiation over a property sale, mortgage approval or compliance with building standards,”
“AI systems, by contrast, cannot carry liability, professional certification or ethical responsibility.”
Estate agent
Automated home values and online listings are already normal, but Reed argued that AI won’t fully replace estate agents. Instead, it will likely support them with faster research, pricing tools, and admin help.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions people make. Reed’s view is that most buyers still want a real person involved to guide them, answer questions, and manage the process when things get complicated.
Hospitality workers
Robots delivering food and self-service check-in kiosks have become more common, and some places run with very few staff. Still, Reed said hospitality is built on service, and service is personal.
People remember how they were treated, how problems got handled, and whether someone made the experience feel warm and smooth. That’s hard to automate.
He added: “Particularly at higher levels of service such as luxury hotels or premium restaurants – but also in the local pub – a human touch defines the experience.”
Entrepreneur
Reed said AI can be a powerful helper for entrepreneurs, whether that’s brainstorming, research, marketing, or building systems faster. But he doesn’t see it replacing the human part of taking a risk and turning an idea into something real.
“The best entrepreneurs learn from failure and can take an idea that looks bad on paper and find a way to make it work,” he explained. “AI might become a powerful tool in their toolkit, but it won’t replace the human spark that can create entirely new industries.”
Childminder and nursery worker
Like teaching, childcare is about more than supervision. Young kids learn through play, routine, and bonding, and they need consistent human interaction as they grow.
Reed said: “Parents and practitioners agree that while machines might assist with some menial tasks, they cannot replace the spontaneity of play or the warmth of human interaction that defines quality childcare.”
He also pointed to the ethical side of it, including safeguarding, privacy, and the trust parents place in caregivers, which makes full automation a poor fit.
If you already work in one of these areas, it may feel reassuring to know the core of the job still depends on human skill, judgment, and connection. If you’re thinking about your next move, these are the kinds of roles that may stay valuable for a long time.
