AI to Displace 7% of US Jobs by 2035 – But Experts Say These Roles Are Safe
Artificial intelligence is projected to displace approximately 7 per cent of the US workforce by the year 2035, according to recent analyses. This shift is expected to primarily affect repetitive and process-oriented roles that involve routine tasks, which AI systems can efficiently automate. However, experts emphasise that not all careers are equally vulnerable to this technological disruption.
Jobs Requiring Human Connection and Physical Dexterity Are Most Resistant
Roles that depend heavily on hands-on physical tasks and human connection are identified as the most likely to be resistant to AI replacement. These positions leverage skills that current AI and robotics technologies struggle to replicate, such as emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, and complex physical coordination.
Nursing: An AI-Proof Career Due to Emotional and Ethical Demands
Nursing is considered a prime example of an AI-proof profession. This field relies on complex human emotions, nuanced ethical decision-making, and the inherent need for personalised human care and judgment. AI cannot fully replicate the empathy, compassion, and situational adaptability required in nursing, making it a secure career path despite technological advances.
Skilled Trades: Electricians and Plumbers Safe from Automation
Skilled trades, such as electricians and plumbers, are also highly resistant to AI displacement. These roles demand intricate physical dexterity, precise hand-eye coordination, and flexibility in unpredictable environments—capabilities that robots currently lack. The hands-on nature of these jobs ensures their stability in the face of automation trends.
Crisis Management: Human Judgment Remains Essential
Crisis management roles, which involve navigating unexpected events and making critical decisions under pressure, are deemed AI-proof. While AI tools can assist with data analysis and summarisation to support these professionals, the core requirement for human judgment, intuition, and leadership in chaotic situations cannot be replaced by machines.
In summary, while AI is set to transform the US job market by displacing around 7% of positions by 2035, careers in nursing, skilled trades, and crisis management are expected to remain safe due to their reliance on uniquely human skills that technology cannot yet emulate.
