The Office for National Statistics has determined that approximately 1.5 million jobs in England, which equates to 7.4%, have a high risk of being automated. These positions are usually routine, rule-based occupations. However, roles that rely on manual skills are much less likely to be automated.
According to MyPerfectCV, there are 9 hands-on jobs that are predicted to remain secure through 2026 and beyond. Jasmine Escalera, a career expert at MyPerfectCV, explains, “Automation changes tasks more than it replaces whole jobs. Roles that combine fine motor skills, problem-solving in unpredictable settings, and real client interaction are proving remarkably durable”. She further adds, “For many Britons, that means the trades and other hands-on careers offer stability, mobility, and strong earning potential in 2026 and beyond.”
The 9 Jobs Least Likely to Be Automated
MyPerfectCV’s list identifies trades and people-centred occupations where machines struggle to compete. These jobs require technical skill, human judgement, and adaptability. Here are the professions and their salary ranges:
- Electrician: £26,000 to £60,000+
- Plumber: £30,000 to £60,000+
- Carpenter/Joiner: £24,000 to £100,000+
- Bricklayer: £25,000 to £45,000+
- Automotive Mechanic: £22,000 to £42,000+
- Roofer: £21,000 to £40,000+
- Painter & Decorator: £19,000 to £35,000+
- Gardener & Landscaper: £19,500 to £35,000+
- Hairdresser/Barber: £19,000 to £60,000+
Why Do These Jobs Survive Automation?
Many of these roles require fine motor skills that are incredibly difficult for robots to replicate. Electricians and plumbers often work in constrained or unpredictable environments, requiring flexible movement and improvisation. While machines can repeat programmed tasks, they struggle to handle a century-old pipe system or a wiring fault in a crowded ceiling.
Tradespeople are also tasked with solving problems in real-time, where every client and job site is different. A mechanic diagnosing an unusual engine problem or a carpenter adjusting to warped timber both require instinct and judgement that exceed a machine’s programming.
Another reason these jobs endure is the personal connection involved. Many interactions require trust and communication, and humans are often preferred for these interactions as machines cannot replicate empathy, advice, and reassurance.
Safety is another crucial factor. For instance, construction workers take responsibility for decisions that can impact lives. Despite advancements in tools, human oversight remains imperative in hazardous settings.
How Is The UK Job Market Changing?
The UK is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled trades, which is already impacting productivity. MyPerfectCV estimates that by 2030, this shortage could cost the economy tens of billions of pounds. Solutions such as expanding apprenticeships, improving vocational education, and employing digital tools to support workers are being explored to bridge this gap.
The Tony Blair Institute’s 2024 report corroborates this, stating that AI primarily automates information-based office tasks rather than physical jobs. This indicates that while white-collar work is rapidly evolving, hands-on careers maintain their stability.
Public opinion is also shifting, with more people now viewing vocational qualifications as equal in value to university degrees. With rising salaries and job satisfaction, trade careers are gaining respect. Many workers in these fields report a better work-life balance and a stronger sense of achievement.
Are Hands-On Careers Becoming More Respected?
Trade careers, which were once considered less prestigious than academic work, are now being re-evaluated. Skilled trades offer strong income potential and long-term stability. For younger individuals, they present an opportunity to earn well and gain independence without the burden of university debt.
The government is also advocating for this change through the expansion of apprenticeships and campaigns encouraging young people to learn practical skills. Many of these careers are also embracing modern tools such as digital diagnostics and assistive robotics, making work more efficient without replacing the worker.
More details about the jobs least likely to be automated can be found Here.
