Are Trade Jobs Safe From AI? (2026 Data)

Updated March 2026 Based on 3649 roles assessed JobZone Score Methodology v3
Are Trade Jobs Safe From AI?

If you work in a trade — or you're considering one — the data is clear: this is one of the safest places to be. Across 🇺🇸 4.4M US workers in trades and physical roles, 100% are in structurally safe GREEN zone positions. We assessed 200 roles, and the domain averages a JobZone Score of 60.5 out of 100, ranking first of 28 career domains we track.

The reason is physical: AI can optimise schedules, run diagnostics, and generate building plans, but it cannot swing a hammer, route a pipe through a crawl space, or troubleshoot a live electrical panel. Every job site is different — weather, angles, materials, access constraints. Below, we rank every trade role, explain what makes them so resistant, and show you how trades compare to every other domain.

🇺🇸 4.4M
US workers in trades
200/200
GREEN zone roles
60.5
avg JobZone Score
#1
of 28 domains
🇺🇸 US Workforce Distribution: 4.4M Trades & Physical Workers
4.4M
GREEN 100% (4.4M US workers) YELLOW 0% (0 US workers) RED 0% (0 US workers)

All 200 Trades & Physical Roles Ranked

Ranked by JobZone Score (highest resistance first). Each role links to its full assessment.

# Role Score
1 Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer (Mid-Level) 91.6 /100
2 Leadworker (Mid-Level) 83.7 /100
3 Heat Pump Installer (Mid-Level) 83.5 /100
4 CCS Engineer (Control Command & Signalling) (Mid-Level) 83.2 /100
5 Electrician (Journey-Level) 82.9 /100
6 Cladding Installer (Mid-Level) 81.7 /100
7 Plumber (Journey-Level) 81.4 /100
8 Commercial Plumber (Mid-Level) 81.4 /100
9 Curtain Walling Installer (Mid-Level) 80.7 /100
10 Leather Goods Artisan (Mid-Level) 80.2 /100
11 Roof Slater (Mid-Level) 79.1 /100
12 EV Charger Installer (Mid-Level) 78.8 /100
13 Banksman (Mid-Level) 78.4 /100
14 Heritage / Conservation Mason (Mid-Level) 78.4 /100
15 Lime Plasterer (Mid-Level) 78.0 /100
16 Master Horologist (Senior) 77.9 /100
17 Passive Fire Protection Installer (Mid-Level) 77.8 /100
18 Coded Welder — Pipe (Mid-Level) 77.6 /100
19 Air Conditioning Installer (Mid-Level) 77.3 /100
20 Pipefitter / Steamfitter (Mid-Level) 76.9 /100
21 Sprinkler Fitter — Fire Protection (Mid-Level) 76.7 /100
22 Roofer (Mid-Level) 76.6 /100
23 Aircraft Composite Repair Technician (Mid-Level) 75.8 /100
24 Lime Mortar Specialist (Mid-Level) 75.7 /100
25 Master Cutter (Mid-to-Senior) 75.4 /100
26 Stained Glass Artist (Mid-Level) 75.4 /100
27 Street Lighting Electrician (Mid-Level) 75.3 /100
28 HVAC Mechanic/Installer (Mid-Level) 75.3 /100
29 Fire Door Installer (Mid-Level) 75.1 /100
30 Conveyor Belt Splicer (Mid-Level) 74.6 /100
31 Heritage Stonemason (Mid-Level) 74.5 /100
32 Guttering and Roofline Installer (Mid-Level) 74.3 /100
33 Heritage Railway Engineer (Mid-Level) 74.3 /100
34 Bathroom Fitter (Mid-Level) 74.0 /100
35 Dry Stone Waller (Mid-Level) 73.8 /100
36 Heritage Carpenter / Joiner (Mid-Level) 73.4 /100
37 Flat Roofer — Single Ply / Felt (Mid-Level) 73.1 /100
38 Stove Installer (HETAS) (Mid-Level) 73.0 /100
39 Curtain Wall Installer (Mid-Level) 72.8 /100
40 Overhead Line Engineer — Railway (Mid-Level) 72.8 /100
41 Heritage Restoration Specialist (Mid-Level) 72.1 /100
42 Fibrous Plasterer (Mid-Level) 72.0 /100
43 Master Watchmaker / Horologist (Mid-to-Senior) 72.0 /100
44 Gas Mains Layer (Mid-Level) 71.6 /100
45 Heritage Maintenance Technician (Mid-Level) 71.6 /100
46 Spray Foam Insulation Installer (Mid-Level) 71.5 /100
47 Scaffolder (Mid-Level) 71.5 /100
48 Bespoke Tailor (Mid-Level) 71.4 /100
49 Structural Iron and Steel Workers (Mid-Level) 71.4 /100
50 Refrigeration Technician (Mid-Level) 71.4 /100
51 Steel Erector (Mid-Level) 71.4 /100
52 Underwater Welder / Hyperbaric Welder (Mid-Level) 71.3 /100
53 Industrial Roofing Operative (Mid-Level) 71.3 /100
54 Flue Liner Installer (Mid-Level) 70.7 /100
55 Steeplejack (Mid-Level) 70.6 /100
56 Resin Flooring Installer (Mid-Level) 70.6 /100
57 Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installer and Repairer (Mid-Level) 70.6 /100
58 Renderer (Mid-Level) 70.6 /100
59 Heat Pump Commissioning Engineer (Mid-Level) 70.5 /100
60 Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician (Mid-Level) 70.3 /100
61 Ductwork Installer (Mid-Level) 70.0 /100
62 Aircraft Sheet Metal Worker (Mid-Level) 70.0 /100
63 Multi-Skilled Maintenance Operative (Mid-Level) 69.8 /100
64 Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer (Mid-Level) 69.8 /100
65 Lightning Protection Engineer (Mid-Level) 69.7 /100
66 Green Roof Installer (Mid-Level) 69.7 /100
67 Fire Extinguisher Technician (Mid-Level) 69.5 /100
68 Solar Panel Installer / Solar PV Installer (Mid-Level) 69.5 /100
69 Loft Conversion Specialist (Mid-Level) 69.4 /100
70 Bookbinder (Craft/Artisan) (Mid-Level) 69.4 /100
71 Stained Glass Restorer (Mid-Level) 69.1 /100
72 TIG Welder — Aerospace/Precision (Mid-Level) 69.1 /100
73 Industrial Abseiler / Rope Access Technician (Mid-Level) 68.9 /100
74 Roller Shutter Engineer (Mid-Level) 68.9 /100
75 Solar Photovoltaic Installer (Mid-Level) 68.6 /100
76 Master Engraver (Mid-to-Senior) 68.6 /100
77 Smart Repair Technician / PDR Specialist (Mid-Level) 68.6 /100
78 Floor Screeder (Mid-Level) 68.6 /100
79 Intruder Alarm Installer (Mid-Level) 68.5 /100
80 Wheelwright (Mid-Level) 68.3 /100
81 Saddler (Mid-Level) 68.3 /100
82 Structural Waterproofing Installer (Mid-Level) 68.2 /100
83 Transmission Technician (Mid-Level) 68.1 /100
84 Marquee Erector (Mid-Level) 68.0 /100
85 Crane Technician (Mid-Level) 67.8 /100
86 Sand Sculptor (Mid-Level) 67.8 /100
87 Insulation Worker, Mechanical (Mid-Level) 67.6 /100
88 Underfloor Heating Installer (Mid-Level) 67.6 /100
89 Ceiling Fixer (Mid-Level) 67.6 /100
90 Gilder (Mid-Level) 67.5 /100
91 Diesel Mechanic / HGV Technician (Mid-Level) 67.4 /100
92 Water Mains Layer (Mid-Level) 67.4 /100
93 Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher (Mid-Level) 67.3 /100
94 Cavity Wall Insulation Installer (Mid-Level) 67.3 /100
95 Site Fitter (Mid-Level) 67.2 /100
96 Coachbuilder (Mid-Level) 67.2 /100
97 Glazier (Mid-Level) 67.2 /100
98 Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer (Mid-Level) 67.0 /100
99 Floor Layer, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles (Mid-Level) 67.0 /100
100 Sewer Rehabilitation Operative (Mid-Level) 66.9 /100
101 Millwright (Mid-Level) 66.9 /100
102 Sheet Metal Worker (Mid-Level) 66.9 /100
103 EV Technician (Automotive) (Mid-Level) 66.8 /100
104 Memorial Mason (Mid-Level) 66.7 /100
105 Bow Maker / Archetier (Mid-Level) 66.7 /100
106 Paint Protection Film Installer / PPF Installer (Mid-Level) 66.7 /100
107 Engine Overhaul Technician — Aircraft MRO (Mid-Level) 66.5 /100
108 Piano Rebuilder (Mid-Level) 66.4 /100
109 Lift Engineer (Mid-Level) 66.4 /100
110 Firestopping Surveyor (Mid-Level) 66.3 /100
111 Hospital Estates Operative (Mid-Level) 66.1 /100
112 Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers (Mid-Level) 65.9 /100
113 Automatic Gate Installer (Mid-Level) 65.7 /100
114 Commercial Kitchen Extract Cleaner (Mid-Level) 65.6 /100
115 Orbital Welder (Mid-Level) 65.6 /100
116 Building Surveyor -- RICS Chartered (Mid-Level) 65.6 /100
117 Platform Lift Service Engineer (Mid-Level) 65.6 /100
118 Kitchen Fitter (Mid-Level) 65.6 /100
119 Exhibition Stand Builder (Mid-Level) 65.6 /100
120 S&T Maintenance Technician (Mid-Level) 65.6 /100
121 HVAC Controls Technician (Mid-Level) 65.6 /100
122 Cellar Technician / Beer Dispense Technician (Mid-Level) 65.6 /100
123 Mobile Mechanic (Mid-Level) 65.4 /100
124 Smoke Alarm and CO Detector Installer (Mid-Level) 65.4 /100
125 Stone Fixer (Mid-Level) 65.4 /100
126 Plasterer (Mid-Level) 65.3 /100
127 Yacht Engineer (Mid-Level) 65.2 /100
128 Gravestone Conservator (Mid-Level) 65.2 /100
129 Scaffold Inspector (Mid-Level) 65.2 /100
130 Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers (Mid-Level) 65.0 /100
131 Basketmaker (Mid-Level) 64.9 /100
132 Woodturner (Mid-Level) 64.9 /100
133 Pit Crew Member — Motorsport (Mid-Level) 64.8 /100
134 Composting Site Operative (Mid-Level) 64.7 /100
135 Thatcher (Mid-Level) 64.7 /100
136 Window Fitter / Door Installer (Mid-Level) 64.5 /100
137 Asbestos Removal Operative (Mid-Level) 64.5 /100
138 Mechanical Door Repairer (Mid-Level) 64.4 /100
139 Terrazzo Worker and Finisher (Mid-Level) 64.3 /100
140 Commercial Diver (Mid-Level) 64.3 /100
141 Pyrotechnics Technician — Theme Parks (Mid-Level) 64.3 /100
142 Gutter Cleaner (Mid-Level) 64.1 /100
143 Dark Ride Maintenance Technician (Mid-Level) 64.1 /100
144 Vehicle Wrapper (Mid-Level) 64.1 /100
145 Insulation Worker, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall (Mid-Level) 64.1 /100
146 Church Organ Tuner (Mid-Level) 63.9 /100
147 Stairlift Installer (Mid-Level) 63.9 /100
148 Classic Car Restorer (Mid-Level) 63.9 /100
149 Dry Liner / Partition Fixer (Mid-Level) 63.8 /100
150 Access Control Installer (Mid-Level) 63.7 /100
151 CCTV Installer (Mid-Level) 63.7 /100
152 Auto Detailer (Mid-Level) 63.7 /100
153 Satellite and Aerial Installer (Mid-Level) 63.6 /100
154 Gas Safe Engineer (Mid-Level) 63.6 /100
155 Window Tinter (Mid-Level) 63.5 /100
156 Stump Grinder (Mid-Level) 63.5 /100
157 Organ Builder / Pipe Organ Builder (Mid-Level) 63.5 /100
158 Solar Thermal Installer (Mid-Level) 63.2 /100
159 Damp Proofer (Mid-Level) 63.2 /100
160 Theme Park Ride Technician (Mid-Level) 63.2 /100
161 Structural Welder (Mid-Level) 63.1 /100
162 Exhaust Fitter (Mid-Level) 63.1 /100
163 Stucco Mason (Mid-Level) 63.1 /100
164 Building Automation / BMS Engineer (Mid-Level) 63.1 /100
165 Carpenter (Mid-Level) 63.1 /100
166 Furniture Restorer (Mid-Level) 63.1 /100
167 Cosmetic Repair Technician (Mid-Level) 63.0 /100
168 Rigging Supervisor (Mid-to-Senior) 62.8 /100
169 Drain Clearance Operative (Mid-Level) 62.7 /100
170 Fire Alarm Engineer (Mid-Level) 62.7 /100
171 Luthier / Violin Maker (Mid-Level) 62.6 /100
172 Sewing Machine Repairer (Mid-Level) 62.6 /100
173 Shopfitter (Mid-Level) 62.4 /100
174 Air Duct Cleaning Technician (Mid-Level) 62.4 /100
175 Armourer — Heritage Craft (Mid-Level) 62.4 /100
176 Smart Home Installer (Mid-Level) 62.4 /100
177 Drain Cleaning Engineer (Mid-Level) 62.4 /100
178 Marine Fitter (Mid-Level) 62.3 /100
179 Telecoms Rigger (Mid-Level) 62.3 /100
180 Pressure Washer / Exterior Cleaner (Mid-Level) 61.9 /100
181 Piano Mover (Mid-Level) 61.9 /100
182 Bus and Truck Mechanic / Diesel Engine Specialist (Mid-Level) 61.8 /100
183 Leather Worker (Mid-Level) 61.8 /100
184 Chimney Sweep (Mid-Level) 61.6 /100
185 Boat Builder (Mid-Level) 61.6 /100
186 Ventilation Hygiene Engineer (Mid-Level) 61.4 /100
187 Hot Tub Engineer (Mid-Level) 61.4 /100
188 Welding Fabricator (Mid-Level) 61.4 /100
189 Recreational Vehicle Service Technician (Mid-Level) 61.4 /100
190 House Clearance Operative (Mid-Level) 61.2 /100
191 Automotive Glass Installer and Repairer (Mid-Level) 61.1 /100
192 Blacksmith (Mid-Level) 61.1 /100
193 Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters (Mid-Level) 61.1 /100
194 Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer (Mid-Level) 61.1 /100
195 Harpsichord Maker (Mid-Level) 61.1 /100
196 Pneumatic Systems Technician (Mid-Level) 61.0 /100
197 Alloy Wheel Refurbisher (Mid-Level) 61.0 /100
198 Apartment Maintenance Technician (Mid-Level) 60.9 /100
199 Master Jeweller (Mid-to-Senior) 60.8 /100
200 Roof Bolters, Mining (Mid-Level) 60.7 /100

Why Trades Are Among the Safest Careers

🇺🇸 4.4M US trades workers sit in GREEN or YELLOW zone roles (across 200 of 200 assessed roles). They share traits that current AI and robotics systems cannot replicate — and that aren't changing in the next five years:

Physical Dexterity in Unpredictable Environments

Every job site is different. Crawl spaces, rooftops, weather conditions, awkward angles, varying materials — trade workers navigate physical environments that change constantly. No robot handles this range. Factory floors can be automated; a half-renovated kitchen with load-bearing surprises cannot.

Real-Time Problem Solving

Unexpected issues on every job. A pipe runs where the blueprint says it shouldn't. A wall is load-bearing when it wasn't supposed to be. The wire gauge doesn't match the panel rating. Trade workers adapt on the spot with diagnostic reasoning that combines experience, code knowledge, and physical intuition.

Skilled Manipulation & Spatial Reasoning

Welding a joint, threading a pipe through a wall cavity, routing electrical conduit through a finished ceiling — these require fine motor skills combined with three-dimensional spatial thinking. AI excels at 2D pattern recognition. Trades demand 3D problem-solving with physical objects in constrained spaces.

Growing Demand + Labour Shortage

Trades face a massive shortage as experienced workers retire. The average age of electricians, plumbers, and welders keeps climbing. Apprenticeship intake hasn't kept pace. AI doesn't fix this — it makes it worse by automating office work and pushing more demand onto physical infrastructure. Fewer people doing essential physical work means higher demand and better pay.

GREEN Zone: The Most AI-Resistant Trade Roles

🇺🇸 4.4M US workers hold 200 trade roles that score 48 or above on the JobZone Score, placing them in the GREEN zone. These roles combine physical dexterity, on-site problem solving, and skilled manual work — the strongest combination of AI-resistant traits in our scoring framework. Many involve licensed or certified work where human accountability is legally required.

1
Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
91.6 2
Leadworker (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
83.7 3
Heat Pump Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
83.5 4
CCS Engineer (Control Command & Signalling) (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
83.2 5
Electrician (Journey-Level) GREEN (Stable)
82.9 6
Cladding Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
81.7 7
Plumber (Journey-Level) GREEN (Stable)
81.4 8
Commercial Plumber (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
81.4 9
Curtain Walling Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
80.7 10
Leather Goods Artisan (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
80.2 11
Roof Slater (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
79.1 12
EV Charger Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
78.8 13
Banksman (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
78.4 14
Heritage / Conservation Mason (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
78.4 15
Lime Plasterer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Resilient)
78.0 16
Master Horologist (Senior) GREEN (Stable)
77.9 17
Passive Fire Protection Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
77.8 18
Coded Welder — Pipe (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
77.6 19
Air Conditioning Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
77.3 20
Pipefitter / Steamfitter (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
76.9 21
Sprinkler Fitter — Fire Protection (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
76.7 22
Roofer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
76.6 23
Aircraft Composite Repair Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
75.8 24
Lime Mortar Specialist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
75.7 25
Master Cutter (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Stable)
75.4 26
Stained Glass Artist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
75.4 27
Street Lighting Electrician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
75.3 28
HVAC Mechanic/Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
75.3 29
Fire Door Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
75.1 30
Conveyor Belt Splicer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
74.6 31
Heritage Stonemason (Mid-Level) GREEN (Resilient)
74.5 32
Guttering and Roofline Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
74.3 33
Heritage Railway Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
74.3 34
Bathroom Fitter (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
74.0 35
Dry Stone Waller (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
73.8 36
Heritage Carpenter / Joiner (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
73.4 37
Flat Roofer — Single Ply / Felt (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
73.1 38
Stove Installer (HETAS) (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
73.0 39
Curtain Wall Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
72.8 40
Overhead Line Engineer — Railway (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
72.8 41
Heritage Restoration Specialist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
72.1 42
Fibrous Plasterer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
72.0 43
Master Watchmaker / Horologist (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Stable)
72.0 44
Gas Mains Layer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
71.6 45
Heritage Maintenance Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
71.6 46
Spray Foam Insulation Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
71.5 47
Scaffolder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
71.5 48
Bespoke Tailor (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
71.4 49
Structural Iron and Steel Workers (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
71.4 50
Refrigeration Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
71.4 51
Steel Erector (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
71.4 52
Underwater Welder / Hyperbaric Welder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
71.3 53
Industrial Roofing Operative (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
71.3 54
Flue Liner Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
70.7 55
Steeplejack (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
70.6 56
Resin Flooring Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
70.6 57
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installer and Repairer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
70.6 58
Renderer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
70.6 59
Heat Pump Commissioning Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
70.5 60
Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
70.3 61
Ductwork Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
70.0 62
Aircraft Sheet Metal Worker (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
70.0 63
Multi-Skilled Maintenance Operative (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
69.8 64
Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
69.8 65
Lightning Protection Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
69.7 66
Green Roof Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
69.7 67
Fire Extinguisher Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
69.5 68
Solar Panel Installer / Solar PV Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
69.5 69
Loft Conversion Specialist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
69.4 70
Bookbinder (Craft/Artisan) (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
69.4 71
Stained Glass Restorer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
69.1 72
TIG Welder — Aerospace/Precision (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
69.1 73
Industrial Abseiler / Rope Access Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
68.9 74
Roller Shutter Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
68.9 75
Solar Photovoltaic Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
68.6 76
Master Engraver (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Stable)
68.6 77
Smart Repair Technician / PDR Specialist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
68.6 78
Floor Screeder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
68.6 79
Intruder Alarm Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
68.5 80
Wheelwright (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
68.3 81
Saddler (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
68.3 82
Structural Waterproofing Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
68.2 83
Transmission Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
68.1 84
Marquee Erector (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
68.0 85
Crane Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.8 86
Sand Sculptor (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.8 87
Insulation Worker, Mechanical (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.6 88
Underfloor Heating Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.6 89
Ceiling Fixer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.6 90
Gilder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.5 91
Diesel Mechanic / HGV Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.4 92
Water Mains Layer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.4 93
Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.3 94
Cavity Wall Insulation Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.3 95
Site Fitter (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
67.2 96
Coachbuilder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.2 97
Glazier (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.2 98
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.0 99
Floor Layer, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.0 100
Sewer Rehabilitation Operative (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
66.9 101
Millwright (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
66.9 102
Sheet Metal Worker (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
66.9 103
EV Technician (Automotive) (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
66.8 104
Memorial Mason (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
66.7 105
Bow Maker / Archetier (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
66.7 106
Paint Protection Film Installer / PPF Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
66.7 107
Engine Overhaul Technician — Aircraft MRO (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
66.5 108
Piano Rebuilder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
66.4 109
Lift Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
66.4 110
Firestopping Surveyor (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
66.3 111
Hospital Estates Operative (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
66.1 112
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.9 113
Automatic Gate Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.7 114
Commercial Kitchen Extract Cleaner (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
65.6 115
Orbital Welder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.6 116
Building Surveyor -- RICS Chartered (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.6 117
Platform Lift Service Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.6 118
Kitchen Fitter (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.6 119
Exhibition Stand Builder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.6 120
S&T Maintenance Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.6 121
HVAC Controls Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
65.6 122
Cellar Technician / Beer Dispense Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.6 123
Mobile Mechanic (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
65.4 124
Smoke Alarm and CO Detector Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.4 125
Stone Fixer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.4 126
Plasterer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.3 127
Yacht Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.2 128
Gravestone Conservator (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.2 129
Scaffold Inspector (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
65.2 130
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.0 131
Basketmaker (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.9 132
Woodturner (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.9 133
Pit Crew Member — Motorsport (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.8 134
Composting Site Operative (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.7 135
Thatcher (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.7 136
Window Fitter / Door Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.5 137
Asbestos Removal Operative (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
64.5 138
Mechanical Door Repairer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
64.4 139
Terrazzo Worker and Finisher (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.3 140
Commercial Diver (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.3 141
Pyrotechnics Technician — Theme Parks (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.3 142
Gutter Cleaner (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.1 143
Dark Ride Maintenance Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.1 144
Vehicle Wrapper (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.1 145
Insulation Worker, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.1 146
Church Organ Tuner (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.9 147
Stairlift Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.9 148
Classic Car Restorer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.9 149
Dry Liner / Partition Fixer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.8 150
Access Control Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.7 151
CCTV Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.7 152
Auto Detailer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.7 153
Satellite and Aerial Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.6 154
Gas Safe Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.6 155
Window Tinter (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.5 156
Stump Grinder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.5 157
Organ Builder / Pipe Organ Builder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.5 158
Solar Thermal Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
63.2 159
Damp Proofer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.2 160
Theme Park Ride Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.2 161
Structural Welder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.1 162
Exhaust Fitter (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.1 163
Stucco Mason (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.1 164
Building Automation / BMS Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
63.1 165
Carpenter (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.1 166
Furniture Restorer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.1 167
Cosmetic Repair Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.0 168
Rigging Supervisor (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Transforming)
62.8 169
Drain Clearance Operative (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
62.7 170
Fire Alarm Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
62.7 171
Luthier / Violin Maker (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
62.6 172
Sewing Machine Repairer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
62.6 173
Shopfitter (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
62.4 174
Air Duct Cleaning Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
62.4 175
Armourer — Heritage Craft (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
62.4 176
Smart Home Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
62.4 177
Drain Cleaning Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
62.4 178
Marine Fitter (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
62.3 179
Telecoms Rigger (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
62.3 180
Pressure Washer / Exterior Cleaner (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.9 181
Piano Mover (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
61.9 182
Bus and Truck Mechanic / Diesel Engine Specialist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
61.8 183
Leather Worker (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.8 184
Chimney Sweep (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.6 185
Boat Builder (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.6 186
Ventilation Hygiene Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
61.4 187
Hot Tub Engineer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.4 188
Welding Fabricator (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.4 189
Recreational Vehicle Service Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
61.4 190
House Clearance Operative (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
61.2 191
Automotive Glass Installer and Repairer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.1 192
Blacksmith (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.1 193
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.1 194
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.1 195
Harpsichord Maker (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
61.1 196
Pneumatic Systems Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.0 197
Alloy Wheel Refurbisher (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
61.0 198
Apartment Maintenance Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
60.9 199
Master Jeweller (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Stable)
60.8 200
Roof Bolters, Mining (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
60.7

Trades Specialisms Ranked by AI Resistance

16 specialisms within the Trades & Physical domain, ranked by average JobZone Score. Each links to its full specialism page.

1 Roofing
73.5 2 HVAC
67.1 3 Plumbing & Pipefitting
66.6 4 Finishing Trades
66.3 5 Electrical & Mechanical
64.9 6 Masonry
63.8 7 Structural Trades
63.4 8 Specialist Repair & Restoration
60.6 9 Welding
60.5 10 Automotive
60.3 11 Equipment & Vehicle Repair
58.7 12 Construction Support
57.8 13 Heavy Equipment
57.7 14 Facility Services
54.9 15 Painting & Finishing
52.7 16 Machining & CNC
34.1

Construction & Structural vs Mechanical & Electrical

Trades split broadly into construction-focused roles (building, fitting, structural work) and mechanical/electrical roles (maintenance, repair, precision machining). Both categories score well, but the mix of physical unpredictability and diagnostic complexity differs.

Construction & Structural
6 specialisms · avg 62.5
Roofing 73.5 Plumbing & Pipefitting 66.6 Masonry 63.8 Welding 60.5 Construction Support 57.8 Painting & Finishing 52.7
Mechanical & Electrical
3 specialisms · avg 53.1
Electrical & Mechanical 64.9 Automotive 60.3 Machining & CNC 34.1
General Trades
7 specialisms
HVAC 67.1 Finishing Trades 66.3 Structural Trades 63.4 Specialist Repair & Restoration 60.6 Equipment & Vehicle Repair 58.7 Heavy Equipment 57.7 Facility Services 54.9

How Trades Compare to Other Domains

Average JobZone Score by career domain, ranked highest to lowest. Trades & Physical is highlighted.

Domain AI Resistance Scores
1
Trades & Physical
60.5
2
Veterinary & Animal Care
59.8
3
Military
57.6
4
Healthcare
57.5
5
Sports & Recreation
56.2
6
AI
56.0
7
Social Services
55.8
8
Religious & Community
54.4
9
Public Safety
53.0
10
Utilities & Energy
50.6
11
Other
50.5
12
Education
49.1
13
Cybersecurity
49.0
14
Agriculture
48.1
15
Transportation
46.4
+ 13 more domains in table below
# Domain Roles Avg JobZone Score
1 Trades & Physical ← 369 60.5
2 Veterinary & Animal Care 57 59.8
3 Military 52 57.6
4 Healthcare 379 57.5
5 Sports & Recreation 31 56.2
6 AI 39 56.0
7 Social Services 67 55.8
8 Religious & Community 30 54.4
9 Public Safety 112 53.0
10 Utilities & Energy 110 50.6
11 Other 162 50.5
12 Education 146 49.1
13 Cybersecurity 91 49.0
14 Agriculture 54 48.1
15 Transportation 168 46.4
16 Engineering 194 46.0
17 Government & Public Admin 97 42.4
18 Retail & Service 249 40.8
19 Science & Research 118 40.7
20 Legal & Compliance 70 39.7
21 Library, Museum & Archives 39 39.4
22 Creative & Media 297 37.2
23 Development 99 36.0
24 Cloud & Infrastructure 79 35.1
25 Real Estate & Property 42 34.5
26 Manufacturing 239 31.1
27 Business & Operations 324 29.6
28 Data 40 28.6
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About This Data

All scores are generated using the AIJRI (AI Job Resistance Index) methodology v3, a composite scoring framework that evaluates each role across resistance, evidence, barriers, protective principles, and AI growth correlation. Scores range from 0 (no resistance) to 100 (maximum resistance). Roles scoring 48+ are classified GREEN.

Trade roles are classified under the Trades & Physical career domain in our role taxonomy. For the full cross-domain analysis, see What Jobs Are Safe From AI?.

About the Authors

Nathan House

Nathan House

AI and cybersecurity expert with 30 years of hands-on experience. Nathan founded StationX (500,000+ students) and built JobZone Risk to ensure people invest their career development in the right direction.

HAL

StationX HAL

Custom AI infrastructure built by Nathan House for StationX. HAL co-develops JobZone Risk end-to-end: the scoring methodology, the assessment pipeline, every role assessment, and the statistical analysis that powers these articles — all directed by Nathan.