Skilled Trades · Industry hub
Will AI replace skilled trades?
Skilled trades hold the lowest average AI risk of any group we score. The work happens in unpredictable physical environments, on customer property, under code and licensing rules — a combination software cannot copy.
- Careers scored
- 333
- Average AI risk
- 17/100
- Lowest risk role
- Diver Welder
Safest skilled trades careers from AI
| # | Career | AI Risk Score | Median salary | 10-year outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diver Welder | Low Risk · 2/100 | $65,000 | +5% |
| 2 | Elevator Installer | Low Risk · 2/100 | $102,420 | +1% |
| 3 | Master Electrician | Low Risk · 3/100 | $75,000 | +6% |
| 4 | Master Plumber | Low Risk · 3/100 | $61,500 | +2% |
| 5 | Master Plumber Apprentice | Low Risk · 3/100 | $41,000 | +2% |
| 6 | Plumber | Low Risk · 3/100 | $61,550 | +2% |
| 7 | Basement Waterproofing Specialist | Low Risk · 4/100 | $49,000 | +3.5% |
| 8 | Deck Builder | Low Risk · 4/100 | $48,200 | +2% |
| 9 | Glazier | Low Risk · 4/100 | $50,570 | +4% |
| 10 | Ironworker Apprentice | Low Risk · 4/100 | $58,550 | +4% |
| 11 | Medical Gas Plumber | Low Risk · 4/100 | $61,500 | +5% |
| 12 | Sprinkler Fitter | Low Risk · 4/100 | $64,500 | +5.8% |
What AI actually automates in skilled trades
Robotics, not language models, is the real question for trades — and robotics is still expensive, slow and poor at improvising in cramped, non-standard spaces. Estimating, scheduling and paperwork will get automated; diagnosing why a 30-year-old system fails and fixing it on site will not. Demand pressure from an aging workforce pushes these scores lower still.
How we calculate the AI Risk ScoreMost exposed roles here
- Assembly Line Worker85/100 · High
- Manufacturing Associate75/100 · High
- Patternmaker72/100 · High
- Machine Operator70/100 · High
- Industrial Sewing Machine Operator70/100 · High
- Quality Assurance Inspector65/100 · High
- Carding Machine Operator65/100 · High
- Precision Grinder62/100 · Moderate
Build skills for Skilled Trades
Explore practical courses and certifications matched to this industry. Partner links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Electrical Technology Fundamentals
Udemy · Beginner · ~25 hours
Trades score lowest for AI risk — licensed hands-on work in unpredictable spaces stays human.
HVAC & Refrigeration Essentials
Udemy · Beginner · ~20 hours
High demand, aging workforce and on-site diagnosis that software cannot do.
Construction Management Certificate
Coursera · Intermediate · 4 months
Step from the tools into running jobs — more pay, still low AI exposure.
Solar Energy Systems
edX · Intermediate · 2–3 months
Adds a fast-growing specialty to an existing trade license.
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Check your exact role
Search 2,000+ US careers for a 0–100 AI Risk Score, median salary and 10-year outlook — or take the 60-second quiz to find safer alternatives.