In Less Than a Decade, These Commonplace Jobs Could Disappear for Good

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The nation’s unemployment rate was at 4.2% as of August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The future continues to look bright for those working in leisure, hospitality, business services, manufacturing, construction and social assistance.

The construction industry added 34,000 jobs in August with expectations that the Fed could start cutting rates, likely making homes more affordable. Then there are positions such as nurse practitioners that are expected to grow by 46% between 2023 and 2033, according to BLS data. 

However, while they’re not quite extinct yet, there are certain industries that are headed for the endangered list. Figures from the BLS show that many jobs are being automated with technology and the introduction of AI-powered tools, which could put more and more people out of work by 2033. 

Here are some occupations that could disappear for good in less than a decade.

Occupations That Will Have Less Than 100,000 Positions

Order Clerks

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 19,000

This occupation will see a 17.9% drop in jobs nationally by 2033, leaving 87,300 jobs as companies turn to AI-based tools to handle tasks like processing orders, preparing contracts and handling customer issues. 

Telemarketers

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 18,300

There will be just 66,800 positions for telemarketers by 2033, with a 21.5% reduction; the advertising world continues to change, with automation tools and digital marketing becoming more prominent. 

Word Processors and Typists

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 15,200

There will be 24,800 jobs available for those working in this occupation, with a 38% drop expected as technology and new tools continue to replace humans in this field. 

File Clerks

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 13,300

There will be a 15.3% reduction in this role by 2033, leaving just 73,900 jobs. Once again, technology is taking the place of people with these jobs. There are so many apps that can do the books for businesses now that having someone on staff to do it just doesn’t make sense.

Other Jobs That Are Shrinking

For this next section, we will look at jobs that are expected to drop by 9% or more in the next decade — as this would be a significant reduction. 

Cashiers

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 353,100

You probably interact with a cashier a few times a week, but the popularity of self-checkout is starting to take over. Many retailers have plans to switch to fully automated checkout systems, with Amazon already having locations like this in place. Between 2023 and 2033, the BLS predicts that the number of cashiers will drop by 10.6%.

Fast Food Cooks

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 93,700

The BLS predicts that there will be a 13.7% reduction in the number of fast-food cooks, as eating habits continue to change and fast-food chains implement technology into processes. 

Tellers

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 51,400

Employment for tellers is projected to decline by about 15% by 2033. This is due to automation technology and online banking continuing to replace more of their traditional job duties.

Data Entry Keyers

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 41,000

People in these professions perform clerical duties including typing letters, reports and forms, verifying data and preparing materials for printing. Data automation is replacing the need for people in these positions, while companies are opting to hire more skilled workers to perform analysis of the data instead as a quarter of the positions could be eliminated by 2033.

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 24,200

Digitizing documents has made the need for someone to keep the office organized obsolete. No more filing needs to be done or documents need to be sorted, so this job is in steady decline.

Cutting, Punching and Press Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 20,300

There will be less demand for those who set up, operate or tend to the machines that are used to work with metal or plastic material. The BLS predicts that there will be a 11.2% reduction in jobs in this field by 2033. 

Bill and Account Collectors

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 18,600

Many businesses that are constantly receiving and shipping inventory have automated systems that keep track of what’s coming in and out for collections. Though it’s nice to have a person on staff to make sure these calculations are correct, sometimes the budget just isn’t there to make this happen, so the company relies on the technology in place.

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Cashiers Expected Job Loss by 2033: 17,500

With advancements in technology, there may not be as much demand for someone to set up and maintain equipment used to process parts or tools.

Sewing Machine Operators

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 17,000

Once again, the advancements in technology are removing certain roles as the BLS expects a 13.2% reduction in jobs in this field. 

Interviewers (except eligibility and loan)

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 16,700

With AI-powered tools taking over basic customer service tasks, there will be less demand for someone to conduct interviews over the phone about questionnaires or applications. 

Printing Press Operators

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 14,900

With the world going digital, the demand for roles involved in operating printing machines is expected to decline by just under 10%. 

Computer Programmers

Expected Job Loss by 2033: 13,300

While experts believe that AI-based tools will never be able to fully replace computer programmers or software engineers when it comes to writing code, the BLS expects a drop of just under 10% in this industry by 2033.

Brooke Barley, Gabrielle Olya and Charlene Oldham contributed to the reporting for this article.

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