College may be the next step for many high school seniors, but a lot of them never actually graduate. Research shows that only 38% of Americans ages 25 and over are college graduates, but it turns out, there are still a lot of solid career opportunities available to them.
A new report from Resume Now reveals careers that offer good salaries, long-term stability and don’t require a college degree. But even better? They’re not likely to be replaced by AI.
- The research focuses on the top fears Americans have right now, according to Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now: the cost of college and whether it’s still worth it, the job market and concerns that AI will replace them.
- To address those fears, the report covers careers that only require a high school diploma, pay at least $50-thousand and are in growing fields with high-demand skills.
“They sort of all have some similarities, in terms of the need for significant human interaction,” Spencer explains. “Maybe they require manual dexterity in unpredictable environments, or high levels of creativity.”
Jobs with relatively low AI risk
- Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists - Median pay $71,420/year
- Flight attendants - Median pay: $68,370/year
- Lodging managers - Median pay: $65,360/year
- Electricians - Median pay: $61,590/year
- Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters - Median pay: $61,550/year
- Industrial machinery mechanics - Median pay: $61,170/year
- Chefs and head cooks - Median pay: $58,920/year
- Hearing aid specialists - Median pay: $58,670/year
- Personal service managers - Median pay: $57,570/year
Jobs with moderate AI risk (These could eventually be automated, but for now, they still require human judgement)
- Maintenance workers, machinery - Median pay: $61,170/year
- Insurance sales agents - Median pay: $59,080/year
- Aircraft cargo handling supervisors - Median pay: $58,920/year
- Security and fire alarm systems installers - Median pay: $56,430/year
Source: USA Today
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