AI Isn’t Taking These 12 Entry-Level Jobs Paying Upwards of $80K
AI Isn’t Taking These 12 Entry-Level Jobs Paying Upwards of $80K
Marc GubertiSat, February 21, 2026 at 2:49 PM UTC
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Phovoir / Shutterstock.com
Want to make up to $80,000 per year in an industry that won’t get hit by AI in a few years? Some of these opportunities exist, and Resume Now analysts combed through the Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data to find these career paths.
The jobs below fitting the criteria are filtered, so you do not need extensive prior experience. They are also high-growth industries that are less vulnerable to automation.
1. Dental Hygienist -
Median salary: $94,260
Job openings (projected): 15,500
You’ll need an associate degree and a hygienist license to land a dental hygienist job cleaning teeth and educating patients on how to brush and floss correctly. However, the median salary listed seems well worth the effort.
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2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers -
Median salary: $89,340
Job openings (projected): 11,700
Medical sonographers use imaging equipment to create images of organs and tissues, which they then discuss with patients and doctors to achieve optimal results. You will need an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate to land a position in the field.
3. Respiratory Therapists -
Median salary: $80,450
Job openings (projected): 16,800
This job requires an associate degree. Respiratory therapists, put simply, help patients who are having a hard time breathing.
4. Radiologic and MRI Technologists -
Median salary: $78,980
Job openings (projected): 12,900
In order to perform imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs for patients, you’ll need an associate degree.
5. Occupational Therapy Assistants -
Median salary: $66,050
Job openings (projected): 9,600
Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients recover from injuries and become more mobile with exercises designed by an occupational therapist. The position requires an associate degree.
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6. Wind Turbine Technicians -
Median salary: $62,580
Job openings (projected): 6,800
You will need a postsecondary nondegree award in wind energy technology to land this job installing, maintaining and inspecting wind turbines. Conquering your fear of heights is also a prerequisite that goes without saying.
7. Surgical Assistants and Technologists -
Median salary: $62,480
Job openings (projected): 6,500
You will need a postsecondary certificate or an associate degree, as these professionals work alongside surgeons during procedures.
8. Electricians -
Median salary: $62,350
Job openings (projected): 77,400
Electricians are generally responsible for installing and repairing electrical wiring systems in homes and commercial buildings. The job itself usually requires a high school diploma or technical school certificate.
9. Physical Therapist Assistants -
Median salary: $60,050
Job openings (projected): 25,800
You will need an associate degree and a physical therapy license for this position helping patients recover from injury with guided exercises and reporting results to a physical therapist.
10. Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics -
Median salary: $59,810
Job openings (projected): 34,500
Installing and inspecting HVAC units is a job that requires a postsecondary nondegree award.
11. Solar Photovoltaic Installers -
Median salary: $51,860
Job openings (projected): 12,000
These professionals install solar panels on roofs and other structures, with the position usually only requiring a high school diploma and training.
12. EMTs and Paramedics -
Median salary: $46,350
Job openings (projected): 14,300
You will need a postsecondary educational program and state licensure, as EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls and provide immediate medical care.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: AI Isn’t Taking These 12 Entry-Level Jobs Paying Upwards of $80K
Source: “AOL Money”
