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Believe it or not, even in this tough U.S. economy, there are fast-growing careers to explore that pay a decent salary and don’t require an advanced degree. These jobs are often also less likely to be at risk of becoming obsolete due to the advancements of AI. Resume Now analysts reviewed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook to highlight 13 careers meeting all of the following criteria: They must not require a college degree for entry, have the potential for a median salary of $50,000 or more, have promising job growth, and have a low to moderate risk of replacement by AI.
In terms of job trends, trades lead the way, with occupations like industrial machinery mechanics, fire system installers, and chefs often paying well above $50,000 without requiring a relevant college degree under your belt.
Roles that require human and manual skills often trump AI capabilities, and the roles often require face‑to‑face interaction or manual dexterity and judgment. They're great for professionals who are looking for a change or those who want to boost their earnings and career stability, so when considering these roles, think outside the box about your transferable skills and be open to potentially starting entry-level with a reasonable salary once you're able to advance through the ranks of the industry. (And to be honest, some of the entry-level salaries for the jobs pay more than mid-level roles in other industries.)
Among the 13 occupations identified, here are the top five stand-out careers for their pay, demand, and relative resistance to AI replacement:
Forest Fire Inspectors & Prevention Specialists
Median Salary: $52,380
Education: High school diploma, often combined with firefighting or emergency services training; on‑the‑job training common.
Skills: Excellent situational awareness, critical thinking, emergency response, physical stamina, knowledge of fire behavior and prevention.
Growth & Stability: Around 16% projected growth through 2033 (much faster than average) . The unpredictable and high‑stakes nature of wildfire prevention makes automation unlikely.
Flight Attendants
Median Salary:About $68,000–$71,000
Education: High school diploma plus airline‑provided training and FAA certification.
Skills: Strong communication, customer service, emergency/crisis management, conflict resolution, calm under pressure; multilingual ability helpful.
Growth & Stability: Projected ~9.9% growth over 10 years . Requires human empathy, adaptability, and real‑time judgment—hard to automate.
Lodging Managers
Median Salary:$65,360
Education: High school diploma, vocational training or hospitality certifications; extensive on‑site training common.
Skills: Leadership, financial oversight, customer relations, staff scheduling, decision‑making, knowledge of reservation systems.
Growth & Stability: Hospitality continues expanding with tourism rebound; interpersonal oversight reduces automation risk.
Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters
Median Salary:$60,000–$65,000 range
Education: High school diploma, apprenticeship training, and licensure
Skills: Mechanical aptitude, pipe system design knowledge, strong troubleshooting, physical endurance, blueprint reading, customer communication
Growth & Stability: Ongoing need for water systems upgrades, retrofits, and repairs. Field work and unpredictability shield roles from automation.
Electricians
Median Salary: Typically $60,000–$65,000(varies by region and experience)
Education: High school diploma; requires 4–5 year apprenticeship and state licensure
Skills: Technical proficiency in electrical systems, interpreting blueprints, troubleshooting, physical dexterity, adherence to safety codes.
Growth & Stability: Infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy installations drive demand. Hands‑on tasks and on‑site complexity make automation impractical.
These roles reflect how motivated individuals can embark on high‑earning, growing, and relatively secure career paths without going back to school. Thanks to ongoing demand in trades, aviation, hospitality, and service sectors—and the reliance on human judgment and hands‑on skills—they offer encouraging prospects for those looking to avoid the time and cost of a four‑year degree while steering clear of jobs vulnerable to AI disruption.
Check out Resume Now for the full list of diverse options for a career pivot or change that could boost your salary or career fulfillment.
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