Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping work, raising real concerns about job security across the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 1.5 million jobs in England (7.4%) face a high risk of automation, particularly roles heavy on routine, rule-based tasks. By contrast, jobs that rely on manual dexterity, situational judgement and person-to-person service continue to prove far more resilient.
To help jobseekers plan with confidence, MyPerfectCV, has identified nine hands-on jobs that are relatively safe from automation over the next decade. The analysis reflects a broader market reality highlighted by independent research: AI is speeding up information-based tasks, but complex, on-site and interpersonal work still overwhelmingly depends on people.
“Automation changes tasks more than it replaces whole jobs,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectCV. “Roles that combine fine motor skills, problem-solving in unpredictable settings, and real client interaction are proving remarkably durable. For many Britons, that means the trades and other hands-on careers offer stability, mobility, and strong earning potential in 2026 and beyond.”
9 automation proof jobs in the UK
Electrician
- Complex fault-finding, and safety-critical decisions across varied sites
- Typical salary: ~£26,000 (entry) to £50,000+; £60,000+ for self-employed
Plumber
- Irregular systems, emergency call-outs, and on-the-spot improvisation
- Typical salary: ~£30,000 (newly qualified) to ~£45,000; £60,000+ self-employed
Carpenter/joiner
- Precision cutting, fitting, and creative problem-solving on site
- Typical salary: ~£24,000 to ~£47,000; six-figure potential for business owners
Bricklayer
- Constant adjustment to site conditions, materials, and weather
- Typical salary: ~£25,000 to ~£45,000; higher on major projects/overtime
Automotive mechanic
- Nuanced diagnostics plus hands-on repairs (incl. EV systems)
- Typical salary: ~£22,000 to ~£42,000; higher for specialists/MOT testers
Roofer
- Safety-critical, high-agility work at height with diverse materials
- Typical salary: ~£21,000 to ~£40,000; higher with overtime/crew leadership
Painter and decorator
- Finish quality, client liaison, and on-site adaptability.
- Typical salary: ~£19,000–£22,000 (entry) to ~£28,000–£35,000+
Gardener and landscaper
- Seasonal judgement, plant care, and site-specific design
- Typical salary: ~£19,500 to ~£26,000; £35,000+ for specialist landscaping
Hairdresser/barber
- High dexterity plus trusted, personal client service
- Typical salary: ~£19,000 to ~£30,000; £60,000+ for top stylists/owners
Why these jobs resist automation
- Physical dexterity and coordination: fine motor skills and awkward environments (e.g., tight spaces, work at height) remain hard to automate
- Complex problem-solving: tradespeople troubleshoot unique faults and legacy systems daily
- On-site decision-making: dynamic, messy settings (homes, construction sites, outdoors) defeat rigid automation
- Interpersonal service: trust, empathy, and communication drive customer decisions and repeat business
- Safety and risk management: human judgement remains essential in safety-critical work
UK outlook: skills, growth and opportunity
Persistent skills shortages in construction, retrofitting, vehicle maintenance, and care constrain UK productivity – estimates suggest tens of billions in potential GDP at stake by 2030 if the gap persists. Expanding apprenticeships, modernising vocational pathways, and integrating new tools (from digital diagnostics to assistive robotics) can boost output without replacing skilled workers. As demand and pay visibility rise, perceptions of vocational careers are shifting, towards secure, respected and future-proof work.
