NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Highlights a Profession with $300K Salary Potential That AI Can't Replace

As AI technology advances rapidly, many people worry whether their professions will be replaced by artificial intelligence. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang previously pointed out that skilled tradespeople such as plumbers and construction workers are not only unlikely to be replaced by AI, but could also earn annual salaries exceeding six-figure U.S. dollars (approximately NT$3 million to NT$3.2 million). In response, actual plumbers have stated that while Huang's comments may spark curiosity, the reality of plumbing work is far from easy. It requires not only extensive knowledge but also years of accumulated on-site experience to develop expertise that cannot be easily replicated.

Although plumbing may appear simple, professionals in the field reveal that online videos often fail to capture the real challenges faced on-site. A plumber posting on Threads mentioned that since Huang's remarks, many people have become curious about plumbing work, with some believing they can master it quickly after watching a few videos or taking short courses. However, the original poster emphasized that only those who have actually worked in plumbing understand its true complexity—it's not just about replacing pipes or connecting wires.

Videos and tutorials usually cover only basic theories, while real-world challenges demand practical judgment based on experience. Every job site differs in building conditions, pipeline layouts, previous construction methods, and even minor details that can significantly affect the entire project. The real difficulty lies not in following step-by-step instructions, but in identifying problems, diagnosing causes, and resolving unexpected issues that aren't covered in textbooks or shown in videos.

The poster also stressed that there are no shortcuts in plumbing. Unless one is truly passionate about the trade and possesses a deep curiosity to understand every detail, and is willing to spend many years accumulating on-site experience, their lack of experience will become immediately apparent once they step onto a construction site. There are no crash courses or quick paths—true expertise is built through countless hours on various job sites, solving numerous problems, and enduring physical labor.

Therefore, plumbing should not be underestimated, nor should veteran plumbers with 10 to 20 years of experience be overlooked. Their accumulated experience in solving real-world problems is the most valuable and hardest-to-replace asset in the profession.

Many netizens in the comments agreed, saying: 'The more I learn about plumbing, the more I realize how complex it is—so many small details matter'; 'These skilled workers are becoming rarer, and they've weathered many storms'; 'I agree—I switched from another industry and have been learning for 20 years, yet I still encounter unfamiliar problems. Learning never ends'; 'Plumbing is a lifelong learning journey—there's always something new, especially with electrical systems'; 'You can't truly understand unless you've been on-site. These workers are incredibly skilled and resilient, especially under harsh weather conditions. Mastery doesn't come after just 2–3 years of training—it takes time and real-world experience.'