Dec 26, 2025
3 min read
Artificial intelligence will transform jobs in the next few years and one entrepreneur is warning of unexpected changes in wages, jobs and leadership positions. More info: Artificial intelligence expert Jon Hernández doesn't hesitate: "If your boss knew what I know, he would have replaced you by now"
Entrepreneur José Elia on artificial intelligence in 2026: "A plumber will pay 200 euros an hour and no longer need a manager"
Artificial intelligence will change work within a few years, and one entrepreneur warns of unexpected changes in salaries, jobs and leadership positions.
Más información: Jon Hernández, experto en inteligencia artificial, no se corta: "Si tu jefe supiera lo que yo sé, ya te habría reemplazado"
The next generation of artificial intelligence is no longer a promise of the future.But it is true that the job market is changing rapidly.Recent reports warn that the impacts will be severe and uneven.with hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk over the next decadeespecially administrative and clerical work
According to several studies, automation could cause the loss of more than 400,000 jobs in Spain in the medium term.The number is high and worrying, but it does not apply to all categories or to all professional documents.
As companies prepare to increase productivity thanks to AI, many workers fear being left behind.Technology advances faster than job optimization processes, and this opens a gap between those who can benefit and those who risk being replaced.
However, experts agree that not all jobs are at risk.Randstad's analysis estimates that around 15 million jobs will not be seriously affected by artificial intelligence, at least in the short and medium term.
Among them, jobs related to physical, manual and face-to-face tasks, where automation is always complex and expensive.Traditional trades such as electricians, plumbers, mechanics or carpenters can be seen as some of the survivors of this technological revolution.
The value of hand traders has increased
Entrepreneur José Elías, president of Audax Renovables and La Sirena retail chain, has been warning about this paradigm shift for some time.In his opinion, artificial intelligence will "take 80% of office jobs" and manual occupations will experience an unprecedented appreciation.
Elías maintains that there is already an imbalance between supply and demand in these sectors.Fewer and fewer young people want to pursue technical work, leading to a shortage of skilled professionals in many parts of Spain.
This lack of generational change allows an electrician, plumber or installer to command higher rates.In his newsletter for entrepreneurs, Jose Elias assures that many of these professionals are already charging between 50 and 200 euros per hour as demand continues to grow.
As an entrepreneur, the issues are not only financial but also cultural.For years, the book industry has been considered a less prestigious option than university work, and this is now starting to have an impact on the industry.
With thousands of young people focusing on studies geared towards managerial or digital careers, AI is making real strides in this area.The result is simply a saturation of automated profiles and a lack of expertise necessary for the day-to-day functioning of society.
Artificial intelligence and the future of work
Artificial intelligence is not only a threat, it is also presented as an enabler for many sectors.A report by Valley Business and Tech School highlights that artificial intelligence can act as a productivity catalyst, especially in creative and strategic tasks.
Instead of completely replacing employees, technology provides solutions that previously required more time to analyze data, simulate scenarios, and more.It makes it easier for experts to focus on decision-making, creativity and solving complex problems.
However, this complementarity does not occur in all cases.Automated systems first take on repetitive, structured and easily predictable tasks, especially in areas such as administration, accounting or basic customer service.
Jose Elias insists that the ability to perform physical tasks and human interaction is key. “AI cannot change electrical installations or fix plumbing problems,” he concluded, stressing the importance of reevaluating these efforts before shortages worsen.
The conclusion is clear.Even in a world dominated by algorithms, jobs that require physical presence, familiarity with the environment, and direct interaction with people will continue to be important.
Which jobs are safe from AI?
As artificial intelligence is incorporated into many other areas of daily life, concerns about the future of the profession are growing, especially among young people.Choosing a career does not only depend on your career, but also on your struggle for automation.
Experts agree that the jobs most protected from AI are those that combine human skills that are difficult to replicate.Emotional intelligence, empathy, improvisation, and adaptability are still areas where skills have clear boundaries.
The health sector is one of the most striking examples.Although AI can help with diagnostics or data processing, doctors, nurses and therapists are still important because of the complexity and human dimension of their work.
Teaching presents a low risk of automation.Teaching goes beyond the transfer of information and requires collaboration, motivation and adaptation, which automated systems cannot fully reproduce.
Creative professions such as writers, musicians, artists or journalists also have a comparative advantage.While AI can produce content, creativity related to human experience and social context remains the differentiator.
Finally, personal care services - hairdressers, trainers, caregivers or health professionals - continue to rely on direct treatment and trust, which is difficult to replace with machines.
In this new scenario, experts recommend that those deciding on their professional future value not only immediate employability, but also the resilience of their sector in the face of artificial intelligence. Technology will continue to advance, but not all jobs will disappear at the same pace or in the same way.
