Verdict
Firefighter and Teacher (K-12) are effectively tied on AI exposure (17 vs 20). Choose on pay, interest and entry cost — not on automation risk.
| Metric | Firefighter | Teacher (K-12) |
|---|---|---|
| AI Fear Score | 17/100 | 20/100 |
| Risk band | Resilient | Resilient |
| Automation probability | 17% | 0% |
| LLM task exposure | 18% | 45% |
| Median pay (BLS) | $57,000 | $63,000 |
| US workers | 330,000 | 3,000,000 |
| Timeline | Resilient — physical, unpredictable, life-safety response. | Resilient — AI is a tutor/aide; classroom management and mentoring stay human. |
The usual pivots that reuse your experience while cutting exposure: Instructional coach, School leadership. See the full plan →
They're effectively tied: Firefighter scores 17/100 and Teacher (K-12) scores 20/100 on our AI exposure scale.
Teacher (K-12) pays more at the median: $63,000 vs $57,000 (BLS May 2024).
Scores are estimates, not predictions — two research anchors applied to task mixes, with BLS May-2024 wages and employment. Not career advice.