How to earn six figures in an AI-proof job: Eleven roles that will keep you in demand for decades, by recruitment supremo JAMES REED

Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of work at lightning speed. Although it creates opportunities, it is wiping out swathes of jobs as firms realise employees can be replaced by AI tools.

At Reed, where I am chief executive, we’ve noticed that entry level and graduate jobs are particularly vulnerable. The number of graduate jobs advertised on reed.co.uk has slumped from 180,000 in 2021 to just 50,000 last year.

So it’s no wonder one question keeps popping up in every career conversation: which jobs are truly safe from AI? The answer lies in predicting what machines will be able to do and what they won’t.

Human intuition, emotional intelligence, physical dexterity and unpredictable real-world judgment remain beyond the reach of today’s AI and probably tomorrow’s.

Here, based on an analysis of Reed’s jobs data, are nine roles that stand out as ­particularly AI-proof and why they’re likely to remain in high demand for decades.

Health and social care worker

AI has the potential to transform healthcare, potentially revolutionising the diagnosis of disease, for example. But the human touch still matters most when it comes to caring for people. 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.

Whether it’s soothing someone’s anxiety, remembering personal preferences or offering reassurance during a difficult moment in someone’s life (or the end of it), this role is all about emotional intelligence and human connection. AI cannot hold a hand, understand nuance in behaviour or provide the warmth that defines quality care.

Social care is one of the few sectors where Reed saw both applications and jobs rise over the past year – the latter up 4.5 pc – and it’s forecast that an ageing population will increase demand for ­carers by over 500,000 by 2040.

Cyber security specialist

Common sense suggests that tech jobs are especially vulnerable to AI. But cyber security isn’t just about algorithms – it’s about anticipating human threats, motivations and tactics that are constantly changing and evolving.

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.

AI will naturally play a supporting role but the judgment calls, creative thinking and ethical decision-making required when high-stakes security issues are at play remain inherently human.

People will be needed to interpret results, assess complex risk scenarios and decide the best course of action. That’s why we saw cyber security roles increase by 58 pc last year compared to 2024. Many of these are very highly paid – offering six figure salaries in some cases.

Teacher

AI can already generate lesson plans or provide learning content. But a teacher’s role is far more than just delivering information. 

Great teachers sense when a student is struggling, adapt their approach depending on the reaction of their students and manage classroom dynamics and discipline. These interactions are deeply human. Students need encouragement, social engagement and role modelling in ways that no AI can provide.

That’s why teaching roles advertised on reed.co.uk increased by 22 pc last year and educators remain one of the most AI-resistant roles in the workforce.

Paramedic

Paramedics make life and death decisions with limited information, comfort frightened patients, communicate with families and adapt to completely unique situations.

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.

Paramedics combine practical skills with extraordinary emotional resilience – calming someone in shock, performing under pressure and making instant decisions about safety – abilities that simply can’t be automated.

Jobs with real-world physical stakes and human lives attached are among the least vulnerable to AI automation.

Recruitment consultant

At first glance, recruitment seems ripe for automation: screening CVs, sorting candidates, scheduling interviews can all in theory be performed by AI. Reed is exploring the potential in this area and is developing Reed.ai, currently a trial service that will target small businesses in particular.

But while individual candidates or organisations may be suggested by AI, decisions to progress an application will remain in human hands. Effective recruiters do much more than match keywords to job descriptions. Emotional intelligence, ethical judgment and industry insight are core to the role.

Machines can streamline tasks, but they cannot replicate the intuition and human empathy needed to make the right match and guide careers.

Graduate recruitment consultant jobs saw the strongest growth of any role on reed.co.uk last year – increasing by a massive 373 pc compared to 2024. Some of these pay up to £100,000 including commission payments.

Residential surveyor

Residential surveyor jobs increased by 33 pc on reed.co.uk last year, demonstrating their resilience to AI. A residential survey isn’t just about making a few measurements or identifying visible issues, it requires deep professional judgment.

Surveyors walk through properties, evaluate structural integrity, assess building materials, inspect hard-to-see areas and make nuanced decisions based on experience. Residential surveys are vital to get right since they carry legal and financial implications for buyers, sellers, lenders and insurers.

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.

Tradesperson

Skilled tradespeople – whether electricians, plumbers or carpenters – combine physical skill with real-world problem solving.

Unlike data entry or routine tasks which can easily be replaced with AI, tradespeople work in unique, unstructured environments where every building, home or site presents a different challenge. Tradespeople also need to build trust and interact with customers in their own homes.

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.

Plumbers and heating engineers will be needed to install and service heat pumps, electricians to fit solar panels, EV charging points and smart meters and insulation and retrofit specialists to improve the carbon footprint of homes. These jobs can be very highly paid.

Hospitality assistant

Hospitality is a sector where human interaction is integral. Guests don’t just want a hotel room or a meal – they expect warmth, hospitality and personalised service. AI and robots will be used to take bookings or provide information but they can’t offer a welcoming smile, add an extra touch that makes a special occasion, or deal with a frustrated customer in the most effective manner.

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.

Estate agent

AI has made inroads into the property sector – from automated valuations and chatbots to virtual house tours. But human estate agents remain key.

Buying or selling property is often one of life’s biggest and most emotional experiences – and clients need empathy, reassurance and strategic advice.

Agents interpret personal needs, know their patches better than an AI and handle negotiations and build trust.

Humans will remain central to the estate agency process as long as buying and selling a house remains such a high-stakes moment.

Childminder or nursery manager  

The early years sector depends on empathy, trust and emotional responsiveness to young children and families — something no AI or algorithm will ever be able to replicate. 

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.

Ethical and regulatory factors also come into play. Naturally, the use of AI in a childcare setting would raise concerns about privacy, safeguarding and data security, especially when staff are working with sensitive information relating to children and their development.

Thanks to what has been called the ‘AI empathy gap’, skills central to childminding and early years provision will remain uniquely human for decades to come. That’s one of the reasons that while other sectors suffered, nursery roles showed a 2 pc increase on reed.co.uk last year.

Entrepreneur 

Entrepreneurship is the art of spotting opportunities which others have missed. It thrives on creativity, risk-taking, intuition and the ability to pivot in response to new challenges. While AI can analyse data, identify business trends and generate forecasts, it’s no good at conceiving a novel idea out of thin air — nor can it muster the personal conviction and dedication that’s needed to turn that idea into a real business, rally a team or secure investment. The best entrepreneurs learn from failure and can take an idea that looks bad on paper and find a way to make it work. AI might become a powerful tool in their toolkit, but it won’t replace the human spark that can create entirely new industries.