Skip to content

TechRepublic

  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
Resources
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Newsletters
  • Resource Library
  • Forums
  • Sponsored
Go Premium
Popular Topics
  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
  • Project Management
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
View All Topics
Go Premium
Innovation

The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

By Fox Van Allen December 2, 2015, 5:28 PM PST

Image
1
of 21

zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-veterinarian.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-veterinarian.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Veterinarians

Photo: Richard Hutchings/Corbis

Veterinarians

A 2013 Oxford University study estimates that 47% of current US jobs could be taken over by computers in as little as two decades. But not all professions are equally vulnerable to automation.

One particularly safe field is veterinary medicine. Pet owners expect a certain level of care and compassion from their veterinarians that robots are ill equipped to provide.

In fact, the Oxford University researchers estimate the probability of veterinarians losing their jobs to robots in the next few decades to be just 3.8%.

Photo: Richard Hutchings/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-parks-and-recreation.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-parks-and-recreation.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Recreation workers

Photo: Phil Ramey/RameyPix/Corbis

Recreation workers

Do you dream of working with Tom Haverford, Leslie Knope, and Ann Perkins? If so, good news: Robots won’t dash those dreams.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.61%.

Photo: Phil Ramey/RameyPix/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-personal-trainer.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-personal-trainer.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Fitness trainers

Photo: Corey Jenkins/Corbis

Fitness trainers

Automation may be on the rise, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so too is the rate of obesity in children and adults.

Wearables and fitness apps address the issue, but there’s no automated substitute for the encouragement and accountability that a human personal trainer can provide.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 8.5%.

Photo: Corey Jenkins/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-dietician.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-dietician.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Nutritionists

Photo: B. Boissonnet/BSIP/Corbis

Nutritionists

Obesity rates and robots’ failure to provide a human level of accountability should protect the nutritionist profession from obsolescence in the near term, too.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.39%.

Photo: B. Boissonnet/BSIP/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-makeup-artist.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-makeup-artist.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Makeup artists

Photo: moodboard/Corbis

Makeup artists

Like many other professions that involve creativity and artistry, it’s unlikely that robots will replace makeup artists any time soon. Besides, would you let a robot come at your face with a lipstick roller?

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 1.0%.

Photo: moodboard/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-dentist.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-dentist.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Dentists and oral surgeons

Photo: Wolfgang Flamisch/Corbis

Dentists and oral surgeons

The field of dentistry is full of technical wonders — you can now have a replacement tooth 3D printed, for example. But even as this technology improves, it’s unlikely any of it will replace dentists.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.44%.

Photo: Wolfgang Flamisch/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-architect.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-architect.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Architect

Photo: Josef Lindau/Corbis

Architect

Relax, handsome stock photo architect, you can sit there looking as aloof as you want. After all, your job isn’t at risk to robots — success as an engineer requires large amounts of human creativity, artistry, and innovation.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 1.8%.

Photo: Josef Lindau/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-animator.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-animator.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Multimedia artists and animators

Photo: Waltraud Grubitzsch/dpa/Corbis

Multimedia artists and animators

Creative fields like animation aren’t necessarily immune to automation, but they’re better protected than most. A person needs to be involved to make sure that what the computer outputs will look pleasing and be entertaining to other humans.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.9%.

Photo: Waltraud Grubitzsch/dpa/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-forester.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-forester.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Forester

Photo: Gaetano/Corbis

Forester

It’s no secret that automation has already done in a number of forester jobs in the logging industry. But the Oxford University study seems to put a premium on environmental and conservation efforts, suggesting that the bulk of these automation casualties have already been, um, cut.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.81%.

Photo: Gaetano/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-fireman.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-fireman.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Firefighting supervisors

Photo: Dann Tardif/LWA/Corbis

Firefighting supervisors

According to Oxford University, the average firefighter is unlikely (17%) to lose his or her job to a robot any time soon.

That said, the study singles out first-line firefighting supervisors as enjoying an even higher level of job security than the rank and file.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.36%.

Photo: Dann Tardif/LWA/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-florist.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-florist.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Floral designers

Photo: J. James/Corbis

Floral designers

It’s unlikely that floral designer will be a hot growth profession over the next few decades. But it’s also unlikely that florists will be replaced en masse by robots.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 4.7%.

Photo: J. James/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-photographer.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-photographer.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Photographers

Photo: Tina Hager/arabianEye/arabianEye/Corbis

Photographers

These days, cameras are everywhere. But there’s a certain amount of skill and creativity necessary to craft a compelling photograph — just as it takes a trained eye to know what scenes are worth immortalizing.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.9%.

Photo: Tina Hager/arabianEye/arabianEye/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-surgeon.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-surgeon.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Physicians and surgeons

Photo: Ben Edwards/Corbis

Physicians and surgeons

Walk in to any operating room in the country, and you’ll see plenty of machines performing important, life-saving duties. But you’ll also see doctors and other medical professionals on hand to operate those machines, ensure they’re working properly, and know what to do in emergencies when they’re not immediately available for use.

The probability of these jobs being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.42%.

Photo: Ben Edwards/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-lawyer.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-lawyer.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Lawyers

Photo: Heide Benser/Corbis

Lawyers

We’ll concede that a robot would likely have no problem passing the bar exam — it simply needs to be programmed with all the answers. But when it comes to arguing cases in front of a human judge and jury, robots lack the same ability to connect and persuade as a human lawyer does.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 3.5%.

Photo: Heide Benser/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-nurse.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-nurse.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Nurses

Photo: Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock Pictures/Corbis

Nurses

Nurses provide a level of human tenderness, care, and emotional support that robots cannot easily replicate.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.9%.

Photo: Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock Pictures/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-coach.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-coach.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Coaches

Photo: Nice One Productions/Corbis

Coaches

Good coaches do more than just call plays — they serve as key leadership figures, connect with individual athletes, and provide encouragement and support. That’s not a great match for computerization.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 1.3%.

Photo: Nice One Productions/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-engineer.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-engineer.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Engineers

Photo: Tim Pannell/Corbis

Engineers

For the most part, engineers face a relatively low risk of job loss due to automation.

According to the Oxford study, mechanical engineers face one of the lowest rates of automation (1.1%), followed closely by chemical (1.7%), aerospace (1.7%), environmental (1.8%), and civil engineering (1.9%).

But not all engineering professions are safe: Agricultural engineers have a near 50-50 shot to lose their job to a computer sometime in the next few decades.

Photo: Tim Pannell/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-clergyman.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-clergyman.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Clergy

Photo: Jason Horowitz/Corbis

Clergy

Few things are more human (and less machine) than faith and a belief in a higher power.

As such, it’s unlikely that robots will ever take over houses of worship — Futurama’s Reverend Lionel Preacherbot aside.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.81%.

Photo: Jason Horowitz/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-composer.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-composer.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Musical directors and composers

Photo: Tim Pannell/Corbis

Musical directors and composers

Can a machine write a better song than Mozart could? Perhaps someday. As for the next few decades, writing and performing pop hits, country ballads, and more will be the domain of humans, not computers.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 1.5%.

Photo: Tim Pannell/Corbis
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-teacher.jpg
zdnet-robot-safe-jobs-teacher.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Preschool and elementary teachers

Photo: Sharie Kennedy/LWA/Corbis

Preschool and elementary teachers

We concede that the future of the teaching profession will involve plenty of automated learning tools and possibly even telepresence robots.

But full automation? Probably not — small kids require too much supervision.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.44% for elementary school teachers and 0.74% for preschool teachers.

Also see: Humans 2.0: How the robot revolution is going to change how we see, feel, and talk, AI, Automation, and Tech Jobs (TechRepublic/ZDNet special feature), Why AI could destroy more jobs than it creates, and how to save them, and 10 ways automation may open up new IT job opportunities

Photo: Sharie Kennedy/LWA/Corbis
42-20702304.jpg
42-20702304.jpg
The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

Archaeologist

George Steinmetz/Corbis

Archaeologist

Don’t let robots dash your hopes of becoming the next Indiana Jones.

According to Oxford University, archaeologists are at incredibly low risk of job loss due to computerization — perhaps because their field work is so painstaking and intricate.

The probability of this job being computerized in the next couple decades: 0.77%.

George Steinmetz/Corbis
  • Innovation
  • Tech & Work
  • Account Information

    Share with Your Friends

    The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution

    Your email has been sent

Share: The 22 safest jobs during the robot revolution
Image of Fox Van Allen
By Fox Van Allen
Fox Van Allen is a Los Angeles-based writer for CBS Interactive covering technology, tech lifestyle and gaming topics for GameSpot, CNET, ZDNet and TechRepublic. He has previously worked as a news and feature writer for a number of other sites, inclu
  • Account Information

    Contact Fox Van Allen

    Your message has been sent

  • |
  • See all of Fox Van's content

Daily Tech Insider

If you can only read one tech story a day, this is it.

TechRepublic TechRepublic
  • TechRepublic on Facebook
  • TechRepublic on X
  • TechRepublic on LinkedIn
  • TechRepublic on YouTube
  • TechRepublic on Pinterest
  • TechRepublic RSS
Services
  • About Us
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Site Help & Feedback
  • FAQ
  • Advertise
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • Careers
Explore
  • Downloads
  • TechRepublic Forums
  • Meet the Team
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Resource Library
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Editorial Policy
  • Legal Terms
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All rights reserved.
CLOSE

Create a TechRepublic Account

Get the web's best business technology news, tutorials, reviews, trends, and analysis—in your inbox. Let's start with the basics.

Already registered? Sign In
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

* - indicates required fields

CLOSE

Sign in to TechRepublic

Not a member? Create an account
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

Lost your password? Request a new password

CLOSE

Reset Password

Please enter your email adress. You will receive an email message with instructions on how to reset your password.

Check your email for a password reset link. If you didn't receive an email don't forgot to check your spam folder, otherwise contact support.

Back to login
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Welcome. Tell us a little bit about you.

This will help us provide you with customized content.

No thanks, continue without
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Want to receive more TechRepublic news?

Newsletter Name
Subscribe
Daily Tech Insider
Daily Tech Insider AU
TechRepublic UK
TechRepublic News and Special Offers
TechRepublic News and Special Offers International
Executive Briefing
Innovation Insider
Project Management Insider
Microsoft Weekly
Cloud Insider
Data Insider
Developer Insider
TechRepublic Premium
Apple Weekly
Cybersecurity Insider
Google Weekly
Toggle All
No thanks, continue without

You're All Set

Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye out for a confirmation email from our team. To ensure any newsletters you subscribed to hit your inbox, make sure to add [email protected] to your contacts list.

Back to Home Page
×