21 Occupations That Are Fading Away
As the job market evolves, certain careers are approaching their final chapter. Technological advancements and shifting economic trends are reshaping industries, making some professions increasingly obsolete. In this dynamic environment, staying informed about which careers might be fading away and how to navigate these changes is essential.
Recent studies show that almost 40% of jobs from a decade ago have been transformed or replaced by technology.
Knowing how these changes unfold can help direct your career path and stay ahead in an evolving job market.
Bank Tellers
With ATMs and mobile banking apps handling more transactions, the need for in-person bank tellers is shrinking. While job forecasts predict a 15% drop in teller positions by 2028, many people still prefer a teller for their banking needs.
Cashiers
Self-checkout and online shopping have cut the need for cashiers. Many retailers have reduced cashier positions by 30%, leading to discussions about the impact of technology on employment.
Desktop Publishers
User-friendly publishing software is reducing the demand for professional desktop publishers. The industry is expected to decline by over 20% in the next decade, pushing workers to seek employment in graphic design and digital marketing.
Postal Workers
With the rise of email and digital communication, the need for postal workers is decreasing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 33% drop in postal jobs by 2030.
Print Journalists
Print media is fading as digital platforms take over, leaving fewer newspapers in the market. The experience of reading a physical newspaper is becoming more rare as people turn to digital news sources.
Travel Agents
Online booking tools have made travel agents less necessary, with 60% of travelers now booking their trips through websites or apps. Many travel agents are focused on niche markets or luxury travel to stay competitive.
Coal Miners
The push for renewable energy sources has led to a steep decline in coal mining jobs, with employment dropping by over 50% in the last 30 years. The environmental and health concerns associated with coal mining have accelerated this trend.
Video Store Clerks
Streaming services have made video rental stores nearly obsolete. Blockbuster, once a leading chain, now operates only one store in Bend, Oregon, mainly as a nostalgic relic rather than a thriving business.
Library Technicians
The growth of digital archives is changing the role of library technicians, who focus on digital management rather than physical books. The American Library Association has noted a steady decline in these positions.
Factory Workers in Traditional Manufacturing
Automation and robotics are transforming manufacturing, with machines taking over many tasks previously done by humans. This shift aims to improve efficiency but has led to fewer manual labor jobs.
Taxi Drivers
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft have significantly impacted the taxi industry, leading to a 40% decrease in taxi licenses in many cities. This change highlights how technology is reshaping traditional industries.
Telemarketers
Advancements in AI and automated calling systems are making traditional telemarketers less common. Regulations and changing consumer attitudes also contribute to the decline in this career field.
Newspaper Printers
The move to digital content is reducing the need for physical newspaper printing. Major publications are investing more in digital formats, leading to a decrease in printing jobs.
Broadcast Radio Personalities
Streaming services and podcasts are overshadowing traditional radio, causing a decline in radio audiences. Many radio personalities are now finding new opportunities in podcasting and digital media.
Jewelers
Economic changes and shifts in consumer preferences are challenging the jewelry industry. More people are opting for affordable pieces, and advances in design technology are changing how jewelry is made.
Data Entry Clerks
The rise of advanced automated data software has reduced the need for data entry clerks. Companies are focusing more on data analytics, which is expected to cut these jobs by 20% by 2030.
Film Projectionists
Digital projectors have largely replaced film projectionists in theaters, making the traditional role almost obsolete. Threading film through a projector is now mostly a thing of the past.
Photo Developers
The shift from film to digital photography has nearly eliminated the need for photo developers. While there is still a niche market for film enthusiasts, most photos are now digital.
Meter Readers
Smart meters have replaced manual meter readings, causing a drop in meter reader jobs by over 70% in the last 20 years. This technology has made meter reading more efficient and accurate.
Typewriter Repair Technicians
Typewriters are mostly obsolete, leaving only a few repair technicians who service vintage models. This once common job is now a specialized niche for collectors.
Door-to-Door Salespeople
E-commerce and changing consumer habits have largely ended door-to-door sales. Sales skills are now more commonly applied to digital marketing and online sales rather than face-to-face interactions.
Josh Dudick
Josh is a financial expert with over 15 years of experience on Wall Street as a senior market strategist and trader. His career has spanned from working on the New York Stock Exchange floor to investment management and portfolio trading at Citibank, Chicago Trading Company, and Flow Traders.
Josh graduated from Cornell University with a degree from the Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management at the SC Johnson College of Business. He has held multiple professional licenses during his career, including FINRA Series 3, 7, 24, 55, Nasdaq OMX, Xetra & Eurex (German), and SIX (Swiss) trading licenses. Josh served as a senior trader and strategist, business partner, and head of futures in his former roles on Wall Street.
Josh's work and authoritative advice have appeared in major publications like Nasdaq, Forbes, The Sun, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News, Fortune, The Street, MSN Money, and Go Banking Rates. Josh currently holds areas of expertise in investing, wealth management, capital markets, taxes, real estate, cryptocurrencies, and personal finance.
Josh currently runs a wealth management business and investment firm. Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of Top Dollar, where he teaches others how to build 6-figure passive income with smart money strategies that he uses professionally.