13 AI-Resistant Careers, Paying $70K+ With Just A High School Diploma

Forbes

09-05-2025

For as long as many of us can remember, the four-degree was a symbol of prestige—accomplishment, pride and self-esteem. High-school graduates were encouraged to pursue a degree in order to be financially and psychologically secure. But the tide has changed. With college costs skyrocketing and AI reshaping entire industries, many Americans are rethinking traditional career paths. And business leaders are saying you can ditch the four-year degree. It's no longer necessary for jobs that can earn top dollar in AI-resistant careers for high-school graduates.
They're called 'New-collar workers'—not white- or blue-collar jobs—a new category in hiring that leaves college degrees in the dust and gives more attention to skilled employees with a nontraditional education. According a 2023 story in the Harvard Business Review, many workers were stuck in low-paying jobs, unable to advance because they didn't have a bachelor's degree. But not in 2025.
Resume Now's latest analysis of Bureau of Labor statistics data identifies 13 high-growth careers that require only a high school diploma—yet offer strong salaries and resilience against AI automation. The analysis drew data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook that was available in March 2025.
The analysts selected 13 careers that are ranked by annual salaries and meet four criteria: High school diploma only, median annual salary above $50,000, fast growth through 2032 and low-to-moderate AI risk.
These specialists assess fire hazards, investigate causes of wildfires and implement prevention strategies. The analysts say they are low-AI risk because fire prevention requires human judgment and on-the-ground assessment tasks that AI cannot fully automate.
Flight attendants ensure passenger safety, provide in-flight customer service and respond to emergencies during air travel. The analysts note that in-flight emergencies, customer interactions and safety procedures require human flexibility and emotional intelligence that AI lacks.
Lodging managers oversee hotel and lodging operations, manage staff and ensure guest satisfaction. The analysts point out that AI cannot fully replace humans to ensure guest satisfaction to resolve service issues that require critical thinking and personalized service.
Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings. They are AI-resistant because AI cannot replicate electrical work's adaptability, troubleshooting and physical presence, which AI cannot replicate.
These specialists install and repair piping systems for water, gas and other fluids in homes, businesses and factories. Analysts consider them AI-resistant because plumbing involves working in unpredictable environments with custom solutions that AI-controlled robots cannot handle effectively.
These mechanics diagnose, repair and maintain complex mechanical systems in factories and industrial settings. The analysts explain that troubleshooting and repairing heavy machinery demand real-time problem-solving and hands-on adjustments that AI struggles to perform.
These specialists create recipes, oversee food preparation and manage kitchen staff in restaurants and catering businesses. Cooking and recipe development require taste, creativity, and adaptability — qualities that AI cannot perform.
These specialists fit and adjust hearing aids, conduct hearing tests and provide personalized patient care. These tasks obviously require patient interaction, customization and hands-on adjustments that AI cannot fully automate.
These managers oversee and manage specialized services, including wellness programs event planning, and luxury concierge services. According to the analysts, AI cannot replicate managing teams and handling customer relationships that require emotional intelligence and decision-making.
These workers perform routine maintenance and repairs on industrial machinery to keep equipment running efficiently and prevent breakdowns. Routine maintenance may be automated, analysts say, but complex repairs and real-time problem-solving require human expertise and adaptability.
These agents sell insurance policies, assess client needs and provide financial guidance to help customers select appropriate coverage. AI-driven underwriting can automate some tasks, but personalized service, relationship-building and trust-based sales are human-driven skills.
These supervisors oversee the loading, unloading and transportation of cargo on aircraft to ensure efficient and safe operations. Although automation is improving cargo handling, the analysts explain that supervisors are needed to manage logistics, ensure safety compliance and handle unexpected challenges.
These technicians install, repair and maintain security and fire alarm systems in residential and commercial properties. The analysts suggest that AI isn't capable of replicating the installation and troubleshooting that require hands-on skills and adaptability.
According to Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now, as automation advances, it's easy to overlook the steady, well-paying AI-resistant careers that thrive on human skills—like problem-solving, adaptability and real-world know-how. 'These jobs aren't just growing, they're resilient," Spencer insists. 'They show that a four-year degree isn't the only path to a stable future. For workers with a high school diploma, there are real opportunities to build a strong career doing work AI simply can't replace."