
Jobs that don't need a college degree − and won't be replaced by AI
Jobs that don't need a college degree − and won't be replaced by AI
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Gray collar jobs: Tips for making money without a college degree
Dan Roccato, a professor at the University of San Diego, talks about the importance of gray collar jobs and how you can make money even without a college degree.
Fox - 32 Chicago
If you think most Americans finish college, think again.
Going to college is an American rite of passage. But not everyone goes to college, and many students never make it to graduation. Among Americans ages 25 and over, only 38% are college graduates, according to the Education Data Initiative.
A new report from the resume-writing service Resume Now identifies 13 careers that offer good pay and long-term stability and that don't require a college degree. Better still, none of the jobs are likely to be replaced by AI.
The analysis 'focused on three or four fears that people have right now,' said Keith Spencer, a career expert at Resume Now. Americans worry about signs of a softening job market. They're concerned about the cost of college, and whether a degree is still worth it. And employees in many fields fear that AI – or robots, or other nonhuman hands – might sweep in to replace them.
Despite the slow creep of automation, many fields still require the human touch. To build out this list, Resume Now found careers that require only a high school diploma, that pay at least $50,000 a year, and that represent growing fields with high-demand skills. The report draws on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
'They sort of all have some similarities, in terms of the need for significant human interaction,' Spencer said. 'Maybe they require manual dexterity in unpredictable environments, or high levels of creativity.'
The list comes in two parts: jobs with relatively low AI risk, and positions with 'moderate' AI risk, based on the need for human decision-making, manual labor, personal interactions and other factors.
Some of the jobs listed below require 'a level of relevant experience,' Resume Now reports. But none, apparently, requires a college degree.
Here's the list, including job descriptions for less familiar positions, and median salaries for all.
Jobs with low AI risk
According to Resume Now, these careers offer a good income and strong job security because they require skills that go well beyond the capabilities of AI.
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
Job description: Judge fire hazards, investigate wildfire causes and enact prevention strategies.
Why they're AI-resistant: Fire prevention requires humans in the field and cannot be entirely automated.
Median pay: $71,420 a year
Flight attendants
Why they're AI-resistant: AI can't serve meals. In-flight customer service requires a human touch.
Median pay: $68,370 a year
Lodging managers
Job description: Think 'The White Lotus.' Oversee lodging operations, manage the staff and keep the guests happy.
Why they're AI-resistant: AI can't unclog a guestroom toilet. You need people to provide the personal touch.
Median pay: $65,360 a year
Electricians
Why they're AI-resistant: AI can't install your chandelier. Electrical work requires a human presence.
Median pay: $61,590 a year
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters
Job description: Plumbers install and service water and gas systems in homes and businesses.
Why they're AI-resistant: Plumbing is unpredictable work. AI-controlled robots could handle some of it but not all.
Median pay: $61,550 a year
Industrial machinery mechanics
Job description: Maintain mechanical systems in industrial workplaces.
Why they're AI-resistant: AI would struggle with the real-time problem-solving demands of the work.
Median pay: $61,170 a year
Chefs and head cooks
Why they're AI-resistant: AI can't taste the soup. Recipe development and food prep require a creative touch.
Median pay: $58,920 a year
Hearing aid specialists
Job description: Work with hearing aids and provide patient care.
Why they're AI-resistant: AI can't handle the hands-on requirements of the job.
Median pay: $58,670
Personal service managers
Job description: Oversee wellness programs, event planning or luxury concierge services.
Why they're AI-resistant: The work requires personal interactions, emotional intelligence and decision-making that AI cannot handle.
Median pay: $57,570
Jobs with moderate AI risk
These careers involve tasks that eventually could be automated, Resume Now reports. But, for now, they still rely on human judgment and adaptability.
Maintenance workers, machinery
Job description: Close cousins to the industrial machinery mechanic, listed above, machinery maintenance workers perform routine upkeep on industrial machinery.
Why they're AI-resistant: Complex repairs require real-time problem-solving by humans.
Median pay: $61,170 a year
Insurance sales agents
Why they're AI-resistant: AI can handle some underwriting tasks, but this career requires personal service.
Median pay: $59,080 a year
Aircraft cargo handling supervisors
Why they're AI-resistant: AI can handle some aircraft cargo tasks, but you need human supervisors to handle the unexpected.
Median pay: $58,920
Security and fire alarm systems installers
Why they're AI-resistant: Installing and troubleshooting security and fire systems requires humans.
Median pay: $56,430 a year
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
8 Hybrid Vehicles That Last Longer Than You Think and Are Worth the Money
As the technology behind electric vehicles (EVs) continues to evolve, the mileage range of EVs is growing too, with the electric rides able to go farther than ever before between charging sessions. For the most part, though, no battery-powered vehicle matches the range of a hybrid ride, which combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor for more efficient fuel economy, fewer emissions, added power and greater affordability to fit your budget better. Read Next: For You: Perhaps most importantly, hybrid vehicles can quite simply go much, much farther than EVs before needing to refuel or recharge. To that end, GOBankingRates compiled a listing of some of the farthest-reaching hybrids on the market, cars with long-enough range to justify their occasionally steep prices. Range: 704 miles The Ford F-150 is currently the longest-range hybrid on the American market, per Kelley Blue Book, making it to just over 700 miles. The hybrid truck — which also comes in standard internal combustion models, as well as a full EV model — also gets 22 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined with its 30-gallon full tank alone. Discover More: Range: 688 miles Car and Driver wrote that, while not cheap, this hybrid Benz not only comes with a big batter and incredible fuel economy, but with amazing speed as well — hitting 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Range: 686 miles Kelley Blue Book clocked the 2024 Toyota Camry as both the longest-range hybrid sedan on sale in America and the top-ranking Toyota. Range: 670 miles The Elantra comes in just under the Camry in both range and price, per Kelley Blue Book. Range: 655 miles Kelly Blue Book reported that the Sorento's 2025 interior has received a massive tech upgrade compared to prior models, but warned consumers to stick with the front-wheel drive model (FWD), as the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model only has a 602-mile range, while the FWD manages 655 miles total. Range: 648 In addition to comfortable interior space and style, Kelly Blue Book touted the Sienna as the longest-range hybrid minivan available in America. Range: 644 There's a reason you always see a Prius on the road — they're reliable and have an incredible range. Kelly Blue Book offered one small caveat: while the FWD Prius has a range of 644 miles, the AWD model only reaches 567 miles. Range: 644 While the LC 500h is extremely pricey — starting in the six-figure range — it more than makes up for it with a sleek body design, very high-technology interiors and a range of 644 miles, making it the longest-range luxury coupe in America, according to Kelley Blue Book. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 6 Popular SUVs That Aren't Worth the Cost -- and 6 Affordable Alternatives 7 Luxury SUVs That Will Become Affordable in 2025 This article originally appeared on 8 Hybrid Vehicles That Last Longer Than You Think and Are Worth the Money
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tough Enough for Public Use: Coated Outdoor Furniture Trusted by Schools, Parks, Municipalities & Public Spaces Nationwide
Purpose-built for heavy use and harsh environments, Coated Outdoor Furniture delivers long-lasting performance where it matters most-public spaces deserve furniture that stands the test of time. DALLAS, TX / / June 11, 2025 / Coated Outdoor Furniture, a leading American manufacturer of outdoor furniture, is helping schools, parks, and municipalities create cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environments through durable design and American craftsmanship. With decades of experience building heavy-duty picnic bench tables, park benches, and outdoor waste receptacles, the company has become a go-to solution for high-traffic public spaces. In settings where safety and longevity are essential, cheap furniture just doesn't cut it. That's why Coated Outdoor Furniture focuses on building solutions that hold up under pressure-from the lunchtime crowds of a schoolyard to the constant wear of a city park. Each product, including the brand's widely used playground tables and park benches, are crafted from coated steel engineered to resist rust, chipping, and fading-no matter the weather or frequency of use. "Our clients aren't just buying furniture-they're making an investment in the safety and enjoyment of their community spaces," said Lindsey Albracht, expert Amazon Consultant. "We design every picnic bench table, waste receptacle, and bench with that responsibility in mind." The result is a product line that's not only functional but also maintenance-friendly, reducing labor costs for facility managers over time. Durability aside, thoughtful design also plays a key role. ADA-compliant tables ensure accessibility for all users, while the brand's streamlined outdoor waste receptacles help maintain cleanliness across large campuses, busy parks and gyms. Many businesses partner with Coated Outdoor Furniture for their mix of ruggedness and visual consistency-essential qualities for long-term installations in shared spaces. Whether it's outfitting a local elementary school, expanding a regional trail system, or upgrading a downtown public plaza, Coated Outdoor Furniture offers the reliability decision-makers need. "We've worked with districts and departments across the country who need a partner they can count on," Lindsey added. "From our fabrication process to our customer service, we take that role seriously." About Coated Outdoor Furniture Coated Outdoor Furniture is a manufacturer of American-made coated outdoor furniture, proudly offering commercial & residential picnic tables, benches, and trash receptacles built-to-last. Founded with a mission to eliminate the waste and safety issues tied to cheaply made imports, the brand partners with skilled U.S. craftsmen to create strong, secure, and sustainable furniture solutions for public and private use. Learn more at Dallas, TXsales@ SOURCE: Coated Outdoor Furniture View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Nearly half of Americans say tipping has ‘gotten out of control'
With those tipping screens now seemingly everywhere, Americans think that the practice has 'gotten out of control,' according to a new survey. At least 63 percent of US residents now having a negative view of tipping, up from 59 percent last year, according to Bankrate, a financial publisher and comparison service. Yet, the number of Americans who have gotten used to tipping has gone up since the COVID-19 pandemic, when it slipped. There have not been significant declines in tips for service providers, the survey noted, particularly for hairdressers and restaurant servers. 'Tipping is part of the American way of life — it's not going away anytime soon, as much as we may grumble about it,' said Ted Rossman, a Bankrate senior industry analyst. Still, opinions vary. One survey respondent said: 'I feel like businesses should pay their employees better rather than relying so much on tips.' 41 percent agreed with that point, up from 37 percent a year ago. Another said, 'tipping culture has gotten out of control.' Another 41 percent of people agreed with that, up from 35 percent last year. Thirty-eight percent of US residents also said they were annoyed with pre-entered tip screens, an increase from 34 percent last year. Twenty-seven percent of respondents said they were less likely to tip when presented with pre-entered tip screens. Twenty-five percent of people said the same thing a year ago. Only 11 percent of respondents said they tipped more in those scenarios, a decrease of 14 percent. Older individuals, like Gen Zers and boomers, had a tendency to tip more than their younger counterparts, specifically millennials and Gen Zers. 'The high cost of living is a headwind, and many people resent all of the tip creep that has occurred in recent years, with us being asked for tips in previously unconventional settings,' Rossman said in a statement. When asked about the possibility of getting rid of tipping altogether, 16 percent of people said they would be willing to pay higher prices if tipping were eliminated, an increase of 14 percent. Another 14 percent of people said they were confused about who and how much to tip, up from 11 percent. Ten percent of people said they would always tip regardless of the quality of service, which is the same amount as last year. A percentage of Americans aren't expected to face the tip screens as much. About two in five Americans, or 39 percent, expect to spend less on dining out this year, according to Bankrate's 2025 discretionary spending survey. That pivot could likely hurt servers' bottom line. At least 35 percent of restaurant goers tip at least 20 percent at sit-down restaurants, which is down from 37 percent last year. Only 58 percent said the amount they tipped was mostly influenced by the quality of the service, down from 64 percent. Additionally, 26 percent said they felt good when they left a generous tip, down from 29 percent last year. Hair stylists/barbers, coffee shop baristas and home services/repair people saw a decline in tips compared to last year. Fifteen percent of respondents said they always tipped furniture/appliance delivery workers. Sign in to access your portfolio