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Jobs that are AI-proof in face of automation

Jobs that are AI-proof in face of automation
A graphical representation of artificial intelligence. PHOTO/Pexels

Is artificial intelligence (AI) the enemy within? For many, especially those navigating the uncertainties of the job market, AI feels less like innovation and more like a silent disruptor—lurking behind every routine, threatening to replace the human touch with algorithms and code.

As the fourth industrial revolution gathers pace, entire professions built around repetition and predictability are being phased out, triggering fear and anxiety in sectors once considered stable.

Yet, amid this shift, there’s a silver lining: not all careers are created equal in the face of automation.

The spread of AI across manufacturing floors, hotel receptions, call centres, and even creative fields like content writing and graphic design has forced a reckoning among many Kenyan youths.

However, the question is no longer if AI will change the workforce, but who will survive the change.

According to a recent study by Yijin, it is those careers and jobs rooted in human-centric careers, highlighting jobs that are largely immune to the AI wave.

These are professions that thrive on distinctly human traits—empathy, intuition, physical dexterity, and ethical judgment—qualities that no machine, however advanced, can replicate convincingly.

Nursing emerged as the most future-proof career, boasting a perfect safety score of 100, a robust 40 per cent projected job growth rate, and a median salary of $132,050. The low 12 per cent AI automation risk further cements its resilience.

Nursing profession

“Nursing secures the top position with a score of 100 as the new “safe” career path in an unstable economy. It has a 40 per cent job growth forecast and a solid median salary of $132,050,” indicated the report, dubbed ‘The 10 Careers AI Won’t Kill.’

The nursing profession’s strength lies not only in its technical skills but in its moral grounding and emotional labor—areas where AI consistently falls short. The National Institutes of Health affirms that while AI can aid in diagnostics, it struggles in real-time decision-making and empathetic caregiving, making full automation in nursing impractical.

Close behind are surgeons, with an 83.6 safety score and a 15 per cent risk of AI automation. Though their projected job growth is modest at 4 per cent, the intricate manual and critical thinking skills required in surgery remain a high barrier for machines to overcome.

Similarly, dentistry ranks third with a score of 76 and only an 11 per cent automation risk. Despite a 5 per cent job growth rate and a median salary of $179,210, dentists benefit from the hands-on nature of their work and the trust-based relationship with patients, which technology cannot replicate.

“Dentistry has a score of 76, following surgeons but maintaining a lower 11 per cent automation risk. Though their 5 per cent job growth projection is similar to surgeons, dentists earn a lower salary of $179,210 but benefit from slightly greater job security relative to automation,” further read the report.

Automation risks

Other careers that appear relatively AI-proof include physical and occupational therapists, whose safety scores hover above 60, with automation risks of 14 per cent and 11 per cent respectively. Their roles demand not only technical skill but also tailored patient interactions and physical guidance—another line AI isn’t yet able to cross. Legal professionals also feature on the list, with a surprisingly low 5 per cent automation risk, proving that interpretation of law, moral judgment, and courtroom strategy still require a human brain.

Further down the spectrum are professions like logistics coordinators, architects, social workers, and educators, which continue to rely on interpersonal engagement, creativity, and real-world problem-solving.

While AI may enhance these roles through predictive tools or automation of administrative tasks, it is unlikely to replace them entirely.

As Gavin Yi, CEO of Yijin notes, “No profession is completely future-proof, but careers rooted in care, creativity, and complex decision-making stand out.”

His advice rings clear: the future of work won’t be defined solely by technology but by how well societies invest in preserving and enhancing human capital.

For businesses, this means balancing tech spending with human development. For policymakers, it’s a call to action to strengthen sectors like healthcare, education, and social welfare, while ensuring those in high-risk jobs aren’t left behind. AI may be transforming the world, but it’s the irreplaceable human touch that will shape its future.

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