10 jobs that are safe from automation
Future-proof your career with a job that a robot could never replace.
The robots aren’t coming—they’re already here.
As you command Alexa to pick a playlist that will get you in the mindset to apply to jobs and ask Siri, “What’s the best font for my resume?” it’s clear that the robots are settling into the workforce at full force.
While, in some circles that’s a good thing, as automation jobs are huge, however, in other circles, it’s perceived as more of a job killer.
As you think about where you want to be in five, maybe 10 years, you certainly don’t want to find yourself reporting to a robot or, even worse, replaced by one. That’s why, as you conduct your job search, you should consider jobs that are safe from automation.
Recently, Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, in partnership with education news organization The Hechinger Report, analyzed data from the O*NET Resource Center and the U.S. Census Bureau to identify 10 robot-proof jobs in sizable fields that pay a solid wage.
While there are some good jobs on the list, such as automotive body and glass repairer and line installer, that don’t require a college degree, a bachelor’s degree will best help to increase your job security and career longevity.
“For the most part, a bachelor’s degree has a higher probability of giving you automation protection,” Megan Fasules, a Georgetown University assistant professor and research economist who compiled the data, told The Hechinger Report. “So, even if my job has a degree of automation, a bachelor’s degree might allow me to have the skills to adapt to changes more easily.”
Take a look at the full list below to see which jobs are best protected from the onslaught of robots in the workforce.
Aerospace engineers
What you’d do: Shoot for the moon—and a high-paying salary—by landing a job in aerospace engineering. In this field, you’d design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles as well as create and test prototypes to makes sure they function according to design.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related science or engineering is standard. Check out these sample resumes for entry-level and midlevel aerospace engineers.
What you’d make: $130,720 per year
Find aerospace jobs on Monster.
Automotive body and glass repairers
What you’d do: Love cars? In this role, your daily tasks would include restoring, refinishing, and replacing vehicle bodies and frames, windshields, and window glass.
What you’d need: While a high school diploma or equivalent should get your foot in the door, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have completed a training program or received an industry certification. Check out this sample resume for an auto mechanic.
What you’d make: $48,450 per year
Find car repair jobs on Monster.
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
What you’d do: Also known as diesel technicians and mechanics, job requirements include inspecting, repairing, and overhauling buses and trucks as well as maintaining and repairing different types of diesel engines.
What you’d need: While a high school diploma or equivalent is the baseline requirement, more and more employers prefer applicants you have completed training programs in diesel engine repair or have an industry certification.
What you’d make: $59,920 per year
Find bus and truck mechanic jobs on Monster.
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians
What you’d do: Typically just referred to as mechanics, your day-to-day would include inspecting, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, and rail transportation.
What you’d need: While a high school diploma or equivalent is the baseline requirement, you’d be better positioned for finding a job by completing a training program.
What you’d make: $61,000 per year
Find mechanic jobs on Monster.
High school teachers
What you’d do: In preparing students for life after graduation, high school teachers teach academic lessons and skills that students will need to attend college or enter the job market.
What you’d need: High school teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license, which may require an academic background in the subject they teach. Check out this sample resume for a teacher.
What you’d make: $65,220 per year
Find secondary teacher jobs on Monster.
Line installers and workers
What you’d do: Like to climb stuff? Line workers install and repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, which include fiber optics.
What you’d need: A high school diploma or equivalent is the baseline, but to move your career up the ladder, many line workers receive technical instruction and complete apprenticeships to gain on-the-job training. Oh, and make sure you don’t have a fear of heights.
What you’d make: $85,420 per year
Find line installation jobs on Monster.
Nurse practitioners and nurse midwives
What you’d do: As an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you’d coordinate patient care and provide either primary or specialty health care, like delivering babies as a midwife.
What you’d need: In addition to a master’s degree and a state license, you’d also need to pass a national certification exam.
What you’d make: $129,480 per year
Occupational therapists
What you’d do: Whether it’s teaching a stroke victim how to get dressed or labeling kitchen cabinets for an elderly person with poor memory, occupational therapists treat injured, ill, and disabled patients by helping them develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
What you’d need: Most occupational therapists hold a master’s degree in occupational therapy. All states require a license. Check out this sample cover letter for occupational therapists.
What you’d make: $96,370 per year
Find occupational therapist jobs on Monster.
Special education teachers
What you’d do: Working with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities, special education teachers adapt general lessons and teach basic skills to meet the needs of their students.
What you’d need: All special ed teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree. Teachers in public schools are required to have a state certification or license, while it’s not always a requirement for private school teachers. Check out this sample resume for a teacher.
What you’d make: $65,910 per year
Find special education jobs on Monster.
Writers and authors
What you’d do: Consider yourself a bit of a wordsmith? Putting pen to paper—or, more like, fingers to keyboard—writers and authors create content, such as advertisements, books, newspaper and magazine articles, plays, TV scripts, and blog posts.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or communications is generally required to find full-time work. To increase your job prospects, gaining internship experience can be beneficial.
What you’d make: $73,690 per year
Can your resume get past the robots?
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