Microsoft Identifies 20 AI-Resistant Jobs Rooted in Human Skills

Microsoft has conducted a study identifying 20 jobs that are least likely to be replaced or significantly impacted by artificial intelligence in the near future. This analysis, based on a dataset of anonymized user conversations with Microsoft Bing Copilot, assesses the applicability of generative AI to various roles. The higher the applicability score, the greater the risk of disruption. The firm highlighted that while AI is likely to transform many careers—especially those involving communication, teaching, and advising—certain occupations remain resilient due to their reliance on human skills such as empathy, physical dexterity, and interpersonal interaction [1].

Healthcare and blue-collar jobs top the list of AI-resistant careers. Roles such as dredge operators, bridge and lock tenders, and water treatment plant operators require hands-on, often unpredictable physical tasks that AI is currently ill-equipped to perform [1]. Similarly, caregiving and support roles like orderlies, maids, and massage therapists depend on human presence and emotional intelligence, qualities that AI has yet to replicate [1]. These findings align with broader trends indicating that positions requiring close human interaction or physical labor are less susceptible to automation [2].

Microsoft’s report also emphasizes that roles such as surgical assistants, ophthalmic medical technicians, and roofer helpers are among the 20 least impacted by AI. These jobs involve specialized physical skills or direct human engagement, which are not easily outsourced to machines [1]. The analysis further notes that some technical fields, including mathematicians and technical writers, are also relatively safe, as they demand deep human insight and creativity—qualities that AI currently lacks [3].

While the 20 resilient jobs stand out, Microsoft also released a companion list identifying 40 roles most at risk of AI disruption. This contrast underscores the uneven impact of automation across the job market. Notably, cybersecurity roles were not included in the high-risk category, suggesting that the sector’s need for human judgment and adaptability continues to outweigh the capabilities of current AI systems [4].

The study serves as a reminder that AI is not a universal replacement for human labor. Instead, it is more likely to augment or reshape certain roles while leaving others unchanged. For now, careers rooted in direct care, physical labor, and complex social interaction appear to be in a more secure position. As the AI revolution continues, this distinction will be crucial for workforce planning and education strategies [5].

[1] Source: Fortune – [https://fortune.com/2025/07/31/jobs-careers-unlikely-to-be-impacted-by-ai-microsoft/](https://fortune.com/2025/07/31/jobs-careers-unlikely-to-be-impacted-by-ai-microsoft/)

[2] Source: TS2 – [https://ts2.tech/en/is-your-job-safe-from-ai-careers-and-skills-that-will-survive-the-machine-revolution/](https://ts2.tech/en/is-your-job-safe-from-ai-careers-and-skills-that-will-survive-the-machine-revolution/)

[3] Source: MSN – [https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/technology/microsoft-reveals-40-jobs-about-to-be-destroyed-by-ai-is-your-career-on-the-list/ar-AA1JvB0z](https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/technology/microsoft-reveals-40-jobs-about-to-be-destroyed-by-ai-is-your-career-on-the-list/ar-AA1JvB0z)

[4] Source: Reddit – [https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1md3zr6/microsoft_just_released-a-list-of-40-jobs-most/](https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1md3zr6/microsoft_just_released-a-list-of-40-jobs-most/)

[5] Source: MSNBC – [https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/ai-superintelligence-talent-war-how-big-tech-chases-the-technology-s-best-brains/ar-AA1Jv2F8](https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/ai-superintelligence-talent-war-how-big-tech-chases-the-technology-s-best-brains/ar-AA1Jv2F8)