Will AI take your job? Here are 100+ careers AI can’t replace

Is my job at risk of being replaced by AI? This is a question on everyone’s mind, and with good reason. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries, many roles are being redefined or automated altogether. But not all jobs are at risk. In fact, according to a new report by Upwork, there are more than 120 roles that AI is unlikely to replace anytime soon. These jobs share something in common: they rely on human connection, creativity, empathy, hands-on skill, or ethical judgment. These are qualities that current AI tools can’t fully replicate. These roles prove that the future of work is not just about technology, but also about what makes us uniquely human. ALSO READ: 5 industries that AI is quietly taking over These 120 roles, spanning diverse industries, are too extensive to list, so it has been divided into nine main categories: Jobs AI Can’t Replace 1. Healthcare AI can assist with medical records or diagnostics, but human caregivers remain essential. Among unreplaceable roles are:Doctors, nurses, nurse practitionersMental health professionals (psychiatrists, therapists, counsellors)Physical therapists, pharmacists, midwives, veterinariansSupport staff (home health aides, medical assistants, dental hygienists)Social WorkersCrisis CounselorsTherapists and Psychologists 2. Skilled Trades Automation can provide guidance, but not manual craft. The human touch is irreplaceable in:ElectriciansWeldersHVAC TechniciansLandscapersAuto MechanicsMasonsCarpentersPlumbersTailorsChefs (especially haute cuisine or street food) RELATED: Step-by-Step Guide: How to use ChatGPT to apply for jobs 3. Education & Research AI can streamline prep work, but it cannot replicate teaching presence, mentorship, or discovery in:K-12 teachers, university professors, tutorsResearchers in history, archaeology, and anthropologySupport roles like TAs, library techs, and museum educatorsTeachers (especially early childhood & special education) 4. Service & Personal Care Empathy and human interaction cannot be automated. Secure roles include:Massage therapists, hair stylists, tattoo artists, tailors, and pet groomers. 5. Leadership, Legal & Business AI supports tasks, but judgment, ethics, and strategy remain human domains:Judges, legal mediators, lawyersCEOs, HR managers, ethicists, and policy leadsParalegals, executive assistants, and compliance officers 6. Creative Roles These rely on imagination, originality, and emotional nuance, areas AI still struggles with.CopywritersArt DirectorsBrand StrategistsCreative DirectorsMusic ProducersVoice ActorsIllustratorsChoreographersFilm DirectorsFashion DesignersAnimation Storyboard ArtistsSet Designers YOU MIGHT LIKE: 5 digital skills you need to survive in the age of AI 7. Technical Roles While AI can assist, it cannot fully replace the expertise, contextual judgment, or accountability these roles require:Ethical HackersCloud ArchitectsRobotics EngineersSystems AnalystsAI/Machine Learning Engineers (ironic, but true!)Cybersecurity AnalystsBlockchain DevelopersNetwork EngineersDatabase AdministratorsEmbedded Systems Engineers 8. Strategic Roles These require high-level thinking, business insight, and decision-making grounded in human context.Product ManagersBusiness Development LeadsOperations ManagersInnovation ConsultantsGrowth HackersChange Management ExpertsCorporate StrategistsRisk Management AnalystsFinancial PlannersSustainability Consultants 9. Human-Centred Roles These thrive on empathy and interpersonal connectionCareer CoachesCustomer Success ManagersConflict MediatorsDiversity, Equity & Inclusion SpecialistsLife Coaches ALSO READ: 5 High-paying Nigerian jobs that don’t require a university degree Why These Roles Stay Human-Centred AI excels at structured, repetitive tasks, but struggles with:Emotional intelligence & empathyPhysical dexterity & field problem-solvingCreative thinking, nuance, and strategy This means roles requiring human connection, judgment, and hands-on skills remain essential. AI is transforming many industries, enhancing efficiency, not eradicating human roles. The common thread across resilient professions is the reliance on: Physical, hands-on skill (trades, healthcare support)Social/emotional dynamics (leadership, personal services)Complex judgment and ethics (legal, executive functions)Human presence (teaching, caregiving) If you’re in or entering one of these fields, AI is more likely to support and augment your role, leaving you to focus on the human-centric core of your job. But you must upskill accordingly so you can combine domain expertise with AI literacy to maximise impact and remain competitive.