About - Hardhat

the product

what is the survival index?

AI is coming for jobs. not all jobs — but definitely yours if you're in data entry, copywriting, or basic accounting. sorry.

the survival index scores every profession by how safe it is from automation. updated daily. no opinions, no vibes — just the math.

the trades that score highest? they require hands, presence, and judgment that no algorithm can fake. so we built the tools to help you actually train for them.

the funnel

how hardhat works

01

📊

rank it

we score every career, every day. browse the index. find out if your dream job survives.

02

🔍

research it

pick a trade. get the full breakdown — salary, training, what the work actually looks like.

03

🎓

train for it

find schools near you. real programs, real reviews. request info when you're ready.

the math

college vs. trades — do the math

🎓

college degree

time4 years

cost$152,000

debt at graduation$37,574 avg

AI riskmoderate-high

job guaranteenone

vs

🔧

skilled trade

time6-18 months

cost$5-15K

debt at graduationoften $0

AI risk<5%

job guarantee96% placement

the fine print

why trust us?

✅

verified & accredited

every school is vetted. if they can't prove their credentials, they're not on here.

📊

real placement data

actual graduate outcomes. not marketing brochures. not "up to" salaries.

💬

independent reviews

schools can't pay to remove bad reviews. that's the whole point.

🆓

always free

hardhat is free for you. schools pay to be listed. you never pay a cent.

questions

frequently asked

is hardhat really free?

yes, 100%. you can take the quiz, browse the survival index, compare careers, and use the salary calculator without paying anything. schools pay us to be listed — you never pay a cent.

do i need to sign up to use hardhat?

no signup required for anything. creating a free account lets you save your quiz results and bookmark schools, but it's completely optional.

how accurate is the salary data?

our salary data comes from the bureau of labor statistics (BLS), trade associations, and real tradesperson reports. salaries vary by location, experience, and specialization — our calculator helps you get a personalized estimate.

what if i already have a college degree?

many tradespeople switched careers in their 30s and 40s. a college degree can actually help — management and business skills translate well when you eventually start your own trade business.

are trades really safe from AI?

skilled trades require physical presence, problem-solving in unpredictable environments, and hands-on expertise. AI can assist with scheduling and diagnostics, but it can't physically wire a house, fix a pipe, or operate a crane. the BLS projects strong growth for most trades through 2032+.

how do you choose which schools to list?

every school on hardhat must be accredited and have verifiable placement data. we vet each program individually. schools pay to be featured, but they can't influence their ratings or remove negative reviews.

about hardhat