12 AI-Proof Entry-Level Careers With High Pay and Explosive Growth

With major companies like Amazon citing AI as a factor in layoffs, many workers are anxious about the impact AI could have on their jobs.

A new report from Resume Now identified fast-growing, entry-level jobs that are unlikely to be replaced by AI, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net.

Each job provides annual pay of roughly $50,000 and above, and is projected to grow by 5% (the average job growth rate) or faster by 2034. None require education beyond an associate degree, though many require postsecondary certificates or licensure.

These roles are AI-resistant because they involve “a lot of uniquely human skills” like empathy, adaptability, communication and critical thinking, according to Resume Now career expert Keith Spencer.

“AI can solve a lot of problems, but not necessarily on the fly when you’re dealing with a lot of moving parts, complex variables or different human elements,” he says.

While AI can be helpful in managing data and logistics, most roles “still require that human judgment,” he says.

Moreover, these jobs largely require “a physical presence” from employees, so they’re unlikely to be entirely replaced by technology, Spencer says.

“These fields are not without AI,” he clarifies, but “we’re seeing them evolve into human-plus-technology careers.”

These AI-resistant, entry-level careers offer higher pay and promising job growth, according to Resume Now.

1. Dental Hygienists

Median salary: $94,260 Education requirements: Associate degree, licensure required Projected growth through 2034: 7%

2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Median salary: $89,340 Education requirements: Associate degree or postsecondary certificate Projected growth through 2034: 13%

3. Respiratory Therapists

Median salary: $80,450 Education requirements: Associate degree Projected growth through 2034: 12%

4. Radiologic and MRI Technologists

Median salary: $78,980 Education requirements: Associate degree Projected growth through 2034: 5%

5. Occupational Therapy Assistants

Median salary: $66,050 Education requirements: Associate degree Projected growth through 2034: 18%

6. Wind Turbine Technicians

Median salary: $62,580 Education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree certificate in wind energy technology Projected growth through 2034: 50%

7. Surgical Assistants and Technologists

Median salary: $62,480 Education requirements: Postsecondary certificate or associate degree Projected growth through 2034: 5%

8. Electricians

Median salary: $62,350 Education requirements: High school diploma, technical school certificate Projected growth through 2034: 9%

9. Physical Therapist Assistants

Median salary: $60,050 Education requirements: Associate degree and licensure Projected growth through 2034: 16%

10. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics

Median salary: $59,810 Education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree certificate Projected growth through 2034: 8%

11. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Median salary: $51,860 Education requirements: High school diploma Projected growth through 2034: 42%

12. EMTs and Paramedics

Median salary: $46,350 Education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree certificate and state licensure Projected growth through 2034: 5%

Even as AI encroaches on white-collar work, industries like health care, renewable energy and skilled trades “aren’t going anywhere,” according to Spencer, and job opportunities are only growing.

Due to the cultural push toward attending college, skilled trades experienced a “downswing” in interest over the past few decades, so workers are in high demand today, Spencer says.

Similarly, many health-care employees retired or left the field during the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a worker shortage.

The best thing early-career job seekers can do to land jobs in these fields is to become “well-informed” about what these roles require, Spencer says.

He recommends seeking out volunteer opportunities or internships to “build some of that hands-on experience,” and emphasizing transferable skills on job applications.

“Give examples of how you’re a good teammate, how you have strong attention to detail and how you can communicate effectively,” he says.

Spencer recognizes that many workers are worried about the possibility of losing their jobs to AI, but he urges them not to panic. Instead, “focus on what you can do,” he says:

“Make yourself more adaptable, learn new skills and seek out different opportunities.”