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The 10 jobs expected to decline over the next decade

(NewsNation) — Finding a job as a typist, telemarketer or switchboard operator will be much harder over the next decade, according to new government data.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released updated labor market projections this week, which includes jobs that are expected to decline from 2023 to 2033.


Word processors and typists topped the list of fastest-shrinking jobs, with employment projected to fall 38% or 15,200 jobs. Switchboard operator roles could also see a major decline, roughly 25% or 11,300 jobs.

“Automated systems and related technology, including AI, are expected to contribute to declines in employment of office and administrative support workers,” the BLS said in a release.

Overall, the U.S. labor market is expected to grow by 0.4% a year through 2033, less than one-third of the pace in the prior decade.

Due to the nation’s aging population, job growth is expected to be heavily concentrated in the healthcare and social assistance sector.

Meanwhile, employment in the retail trade sector is projected to decline “as e-commerce continues to have a negative effect on in-person sales,” the BLS noted.

By 2033, cashiers will be much less common with employment projected to decline by 353,100, the biggest total drop across all job categories and a 10.6% decline from the level today, according to the BLS.

These ten jobs are projected to decline the fastest over the next ten years, according to the Labor Department. To see the 10 jobs expected to grow over the decade click here.

  1. Word processors and typists
    • Projected percent decline (2023-2033): -38.0%
    • Projected employment decline: -15,200 jobs
    • Median annual wage (May 2023): $46,450
  2. Roof bolters, mining
    • Projected percent decline (2023-2033): -32.0%
    • Projected employment decline: -600 jobs
    • Median annual wage (May 2023): $66,600
  3. Telephone operators
    • Projected percent decline (2023-2033): -26.4%
    • Projected employment decline: -1,200 jobs
    • Median annual wage (May 2023): $38,080
  4. Switchboard operators, including answering service
    • Projected percent decline (2023-2033): -25.2%
    • Projected employment decline: -11,300 jobs
    • Median annual wage (May 2023): $36,750
  5. Data entry keyers
    • Projected percent decline (2023-2033): -25.0%
    • Projected employment decline: -41,000 jobs
    • Median annual wage (May 2023): $37,790
  6. Foundry mold and coremakers
    • Projected percent decline (2023-2033): -24.6%
    • Projected employment decline: -2,900 jobs
    • Median annual wage (May 2023): $44,300
  7. Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining
    • Projected percent decline (2023-2033): -22.9%
    • Projected employment decline: -1,200 jobs
    • Median annual wage (May 2023): $64,070
  8. Patternmakers, metal and plastic
    • Projected percent decline (2023-2033): -22.9%
    • Projected employment decline: -500 jobs
    • Median annual wage (May 2023): $49,670
  9. Telemarketers
    • Projected percent decline (2023-2033): -21.5%
    • Projected employment decline: -18,300 jobs
    • Median annual wage (May 2023): $34,480
  10. Engine and other machine assemblers
    • Projected percent decline (2023-2033): -21.3%
    • Projected employment decline: -10,400 jobs
    • Median annual wage (May 2023): $50,270