AI can't replace these six-figure salary jobs, demand to surge in five years

As artificial intelligence continues to automate more and more tasks once managed by humans, fears of mass job losses are growing. Yet a new report from the Future Skills Organisation offers a more nuanced outlook. Despite rapid advances in AI, many high-paying white-collar jobs are not only expected to survive but thrive well into the next decade.

Jobs such as accountants, IT managers, financial advisers, executives, and banking professionals, all typically commanding six-figure salaries, are projected to remain in strong demand through 2030. The report highlights that while AI can process data and streamline workflows, human roles that require leadership, judgment, and trust remain irreplaceable.


Six-figure salary jobs that AI won’t replace but will assist
Accountants, for instance, continue to be critical in areas like auditing, compliance, and financial strategy. Their average annual incomes range from approximately $100,000 to $130,000 in many advanced economies. Similarly, IT managers, who oversee infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transitions, often earn well over $160,000, and demand for their expertise is steadily growing.

The financial sector is also seeing persistent shortages of investment advisers and portfolio managers. These professionals typically earn between $140,000 and $370,000 depending on seniority, and their work involves not just number crunching but also client relationships and market judgment, skills that go beyond the reach of automation.

At the top of the ladder, CEOs and other executives continue to be indispensable. Though supported by AI-driven analytics, their roles require complex decision-making, ethical reasoning, and strategic vision that machines cannot emulate. Executive salaries often average around $200,000 or higher, depending on region and industry.


Wider workforce gaps show an urgent need for reskilling
The report also points to talent shortages in mid-level and support roles such as bookkeepers, clerks, and receptionists, which play a key role in organizational efficiency. Despite earning more modest salaries, many of these positions are becoming harder to fill due to mismatches between labor market needs and available skills training.

Experts say the talent pipeline in both the tech and finance sectors is struggling to keep up with evolving demands. While AI will continue to enhance productivity and change the nature of many jobs, it cannot replicate the human qualities like creativity, empathy, and leadership that define long-term professional success.

Rather than replacing workers entirely, AI is reshaping how we work, and the future belongs to those who can blend digital fluency with human intelligence.