As we look toward the next decade, the landscape of employment is set to undergo significant changes. Many traditional roles are expected to shrink, primarily due to advancements in automation and artificial intelligence (AI). This shift is not just about technology replacing human tasks but also about transforming the skills required in the workforce. Here, we explore ten jobs projected to decline the fastest and examine the common thread that ties them together.
1) Retail Salespersons
Retail sales roles are among the most vulnerable to decline in the coming years. The rise of e-commerce platforms and self-checkout systems is reducing the need for in-person retail transactions. According to a report on shrinking job roles, automation is a key factor driving this trend. As consumers increasingly prefer online shopping for its convenience and often lower prices, physical retail stores are scaling back their workforce. This shift not only impacts salespersons but also reshapes the retail industry, pushing it towards a more digital-first approach.
The implications for retail workers are significant. Many will need to adapt by acquiring new skills that align with digital retail operations, such as managing online sales platforms or customer service roles that support e-commerce. This transition highlights the broader trend of technology reshaping traditional job roles, requiring workers to be more versatile and tech-savvy.
2) Data Entry Keyers
Data entry positions are increasingly at risk due to the automation of repetitive input tasks. AI tools are now capable of handling large volumes of data with greater accuracy and speed than human workers. This trend is highlighted in a report on jobs in danger of AI replacement, which notes that data entry keyers are particularly susceptible to these changes. As businesses seek to streamline operations and reduce costs, the demand for manual data entry is expected to decline significantly.
The shift towards automation in data management not only affects those directly employed in data entry but also has broader implications for administrative roles. Workers in this field may need to pivot towards more analytical or supervisory positions that require human judgment and decision-making skills. This evolution underscores the necessity for continuous learning and adaptation in the workforce.
3) Administrative Assistants
The role of administrative assistants is set to diminish as workplace technology evolves. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects a decline in demand for routine secretarial support. Automation tools are increasingly capable of managing scheduling, communication, and document preparation tasks, which traditionally required human intervention. This trend is reshaping the administrative landscape, pushing it towards more strategic and less clerical functions.
For administrative professionals, this means a shift in focus towards roles that require higher-level skills, such as project management or data analysis. The ability to leverage technology effectively will become a critical asset, as will the capacity to adapt to new tools and processes. This transition reflects a broader movement towards a more dynamic and technology-driven work environment.
4) Customer Service Representatives
Customer service roles are evolving rapidly due to the integration of digital chatbots and AI interfaces. These technologies are increasingly replacing human handlers, reshaping the customer service landscape by 2035. According to a future work report, the demand for traditional customer service representatives is expected to decline as businesses adopt more efficient and cost-effective digital solutions.
This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for customer service professionals. While some roles may be lost to automation, new opportunities are emerging in areas such as customer experience management and AI system training. These roles require a blend of technical skills and emotional intelligence, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the workforce.
5) Office Clerks
Office clerks are facing a decline in job opportunities as generative AI streamlines tasks such as filing and scheduling. A McKinsey analysis highlights the vulnerability of office support tasks to AI displacement. As businesses seek to increase efficiency and reduce costs, the need for manual clerical work is diminishing.
For office clerks, this trend necessitates a shift towards roles that require more complex problem-solving and interpersonal skills. The ability to manage and interpret data, as well as to coordinate and communicate effectively, will become increasingly valuable. This evolution reflects the broader impact of AI on the workforce, driving a need for skills that complement rather than compete with technology.
6) Assemblers and Fabricators
In the manufacturing sector, assemblers and fabricators are experiencing job shrinkage due to automation trends. As highlighted in a report on fastest-shrinking jobs, automation is transforming production lines, reducing the need for manual assembly work. Robotics and advanced manufacturing technologies are enabling more efficient and precise production processes, leading to a decline in traditional assembly roles.
This shift has significant implications for workers in the manufacturing industry. To remain competitive, they will need to develop skills in areas such as robotics maintenance, quality control, and process optimization. The transition towards automated manufacturing underscores the importance of technical proficiency and adaptability in the modern workforce.
7) Telemarketers
Telemarketing roles are increasingly at risk as AI-powered calling systems supplant manual outreach efforts. A report on jobs endangered by AI highlights telemarketers as particularly vulnerable to automation. These systems can handle large volumes of calls more efficiently and at a lower cost than human workers, leading to a decline in traditional telemarketing positions.
For telemarketers, this trend presents a need to pivot towards roles that require more strategic thinking and customer engagement skills. Opportunities may arise in areas such as digital marketing and customer relationship management, where human creativity and insight are essential. This shift reflects the broader impact of AI on sales and marketing roles, driving a need for skills that enhance rather than replace human capabilities.
8) Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
The roles of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are shrinking due to the rise of software automation. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 anticipates a decline in these positions as digital tools streamline financial recording tasks. Automation is enabling businesses to manage their finances more efficiently, reducing the need for manual bookkeeping.
This trend has significant implications for workers in the financial sector. To remain relevant, they will need to develop skills in areas such as financial analysis, strategic planning, and data interpretation. The transition towards automated financial management highlights the importance of analytical and strategic skills in the modern workforce.
9) Travel Agents
Travel agent roles are contracting as online booking platforms become more prevalent. A report on the future of work envisions a decline in traditional agency roles over the next decade. Consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms for their travel needs, attracted by the convenience and often lower costs compared to traditional travel agencies.
For travel agents, this trend necessitates a shift towards roles that offer personalized travel experiences and specialized services. Opportunities may arise in areas such as luxury travel planning and destination management, where human expertise and personal touch are valued. This shift reflects the broader impact of digital platforms on the travel industry, driving a need for skills that enhance customer experience and satisfaction.
10) Legal Secretaries
Legal secretaries are facing job reductions as AI document processing reduces support needs in legal offices. An analysis of American work trends discusses the impact of AI automation on legal support roles. As AI systems become more capable of handling document preparation and management tasks, the demand for traditional legal secretarial work is expected to decline.
This trend presents both challenges and opportunities for legal professionals. While some roles may be lost to automation, new opportunities are emerging in areas such as legal technology and compliance management. These roles require a blend of legal knowledge and technical skills, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the legal sector.
Common Thread: The Impact of AI and Automation
The common thread among these shrinking job roles is their vulnerability to AI and automation, particularly in routine, rule-based tasks. Reports like the Future of Jobs Report and McKinsey’s analysis emphasize a shift towards skills in creativity and complex problem-solving. As technology continues to evolve, the workforce must adapt by developing skills that complement rather than compete with AI. This transition highlights the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in the modern job market.
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Cole Whitaker focuses on the fundamentals of money management, helping readers make smarter decisions around income, spending, saving, and long-term financial stability. His writing emphasizes clarity, discipline, and practical systems that work in real life. At The Daily Overview, Cole breaks down personal finance topics into straightforward guidance readers can apply immediately.
