Upwork Report Lists Over 120 Jobs Least Likely to Be Replaced by AI

A new report from freelancing platform Upwork has identified more than 120 occupations across 13 industries that are considered least likely to be replaced by artificial intelligence, highlighting the enduring value of human skills in an increasingly automated world.

Published in November 2026, the study points to healthcare, skilled trades, education, emergency services and creative professions as fields where human workers are expected to remain indispensable. The list includes nurses, doctors, psychiatrists, therapists, teachers, firefighters, electricians, plumbers, veterinarians, investigative journalists, artists and other creative professionals.

According to the report, these roles share responsibilities that AI systems cannot fully handle on their own, such as responding to unpredictable situations, offering emotional support, making complex judgments and performing hands-on physical work. The study also names leadership, legal services, social work, environmental professions, sports and culinary occupations as areas where human expertise continues to matter.

Rather than replacing workers outright, AI is more likely to reshape how people in these fields do their jobs. The report notes that AI tools can assist professionals by handling repetitive tasks and boosting productivity, freeing them to focus on work that requires human judgment and interaction.

The findings suggest that combining AI capabilities with human expertise could open up new opportunities for workers instead of rendering their skills obsolete. The report reinforces the view that certain professions will continue to depend on qualities such as empathy, adaptability and practical know-how that machines cannot easily replicate.

The Upwork analysis adds to a growing body of discussion on how automation will affect labour markets globally, with experts increasingly focused on which skills will remain valuable as AI adoption expands across industries.