The pandemic-related unemployment rise in the first half of 2020 was disastrous. More than 30 million people in the United States lost their jobs, and the unemployment rate rose to about 20%. The good news is that jobs are returning as more businesses reopen, and the unemployment rate currently stands at 5.9%. Unfortunately, however, some employees may never return, and it has nothing to do with the pandemic itself.
The employment market’s change is a normal phenomenon. Some vocations are phased out as the economy grows and technology advances. Companies are always looking for ways to accomplish activities more efficiently and cheaply. Thus automation is a persistent threat to certain sorts of work. Other jobs become obsolete due to financial constraints or plain obsolescence.
To help identify which jobs are most at risk GOBankingRates analyzed occupational projection data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. First, they found the jobs with the largest percentage decline in the job growth outlook for 2019 to 2029. Next, jobs were ranked by the anticipated percentage of jobs lost over the next decade, from smallest to largest.
Jobs That Will Soon Be Gone For Good 2021
10. Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
A switchboard operator works for large corporations, hospitals, and hotels where a high volume of phone calls is expected. Callers are assisted by the operator, who answers the phone and connects them to the appropriate person or department.
- 2019 total employment: 69,900
- Projected change from 2019 to 2029:
- Number of jobs lost: 15,700
- Percentage of jobs lost: 22.5%
9. Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Electrical engineering is concerned with electricity, electromagnetism, and electronics in particular. Power, control systems, telecommunications, and signal processing are also covered.
- 2019 total employment: 10,400
- Projected change from 2019 to 2029:
- Number of jobs lost: 2,400
- Percentage of jobs lost: 23.2%
8. Data Entry Keyers
Information is transferred from paper documents to digital formats, such as Internet databases and computer applications, via data entry keyers. Their responsibilities might vary greatly depending on their employer, ranging from scanning documents to emailing them.
- 2019 total employment: 172,400
- Projected change from 2019 to 2029:
- Number of jobs lost: 42,400
- Percentage of jobs lost: 24.6%
7. Travel Agents
Organizing a trip is a time-consuming and difficult task. In addition to providing advisory services and complete vacation packages, travel agents make this procedure easier for their consumers.
- 2019 total employment: 82,000
- Projected change from 2019 to 2029:
- Number of jobs lost: 21,300
- Percentage of jobs lost: 25.9%
6. Telephone Operators
Access alphabetical, geographical, or other directories to find information. Assist consumers with unusual billing demands such as third-party charges and credits or reimbursements for mistakenly called numbers.
- 2019 total employment: 5,000
- Projected change from 2019 to 2029:
- Number of jobs lost: 1,400
- Percentage of jobs lost: 27.9%
5. Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
Use hand tools or hand-held power tools to cut and trim various manufactured items, such as carpet, fabric, stone, glass, or rubber. Also known as cloth Cutter, Denim Cutter, Fabric Cutter.
- 2019 total employment: 9,800
- Projected change from 2019 to 2029:
- Number of jobs lost: 2,900
- Percentage of jobs lost: 29.9%
4. Watch and Clock Repairers
Repair, clean, and adjust mechanisms of timing instruments, such as watches and clocks. Includes watchmakers, watch technicians, and mechanical timepiece repairers.
- 2019 total employment: 3,200
- Projected change from 2019 to 2029:
- Number of jobs lost: 1,000
- Percentage of jobs lost: 32.3%
3. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Control or operate nuclear reactors. Control rods are moved, equipment is started and stopped, controls are monitored and adjusted, and data is logged. When an emergency arises, put emergency measures in place.
- 2019 total employment: 5,300
- Projected change from 2019 to 2029:
- Number of jobs lost: 1,900
- Percentage of jobs lost: 35.7%
2. Parking Enforcement Workers
Patrol assigned areas, such as public parking lots or city streets, to issue overtime parking violators and illegally parked vehicles.
- 2019 total employment: 8,100
- Projected change from 2019 to 2029:
- Number of jobs lost: 2,900
- Percentage of jobs lost: 36.2%
1. Word Processors and Typists
Use a word processor, computer, or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recording. May perform other clerical duties as assigned.
- 2019 total employment: 52,700
- Projected change from 2019 to 2029:
- Number of jobs lost: 19,200
- Percentage of jobs lost: 36.4%
