The workforce is transforming due to automation, artificial intelligence, and shifts in market demands, resulting in the obsolescence of certain professions.
Millions of people are left wondering whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) will replace the careers they are pursuing or not. We’ll explore jobs at risk of extinction due to automation and evolving industry demands, possibly disappearing shortly.
1. Cashiers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of cashiers is projected to decline 10 percent from 2022 to 2032.
Cashiers are becoming obsolete as self-checkout kiosks, mobile payment systems, and automated point-of-sale technologies streamline and expedite retail transactions.
The rise of e-commerce, cashless transactions, and innovations like RFID are transforming how customers complete transactions, reducing the necessity for human intervention in purchase processes.
2. Travel Agents
Various websites and applications allow users to research destinations, plan itineraries, and book hotels and flights, leaving little or no room for travel agents.
Apps like TripAdvisor, Skyscanner, and Kiwi help travelers compare pricing to get the possible deals, something that travel agents were used for.
Besides that, with mobile applications like Google Maps and Google Translator, travelers are becoming increasingly independent.
3. Telemarketers
Telemarketers’ are becoming obsolete due to advancements in technology such as robocalls, automated dialing systems, AI-powered chatbots, and artificial intelligence.
These technologies enable businesses to reach a wider audience more efficiently without human telemarketers.
Additionally, increased consumer awareness and regulatory measures against unwanted calls have reduced the effectiveness of traditional telemarketing methods.
4. Assembly Line
According to the BLS, there will be a 6% decline in jobs for assemblers and fabricators. Assembly line workers are becoming obsolete as automated assembly lines and robotic systems are more efficient and accurate in handling repetitive tasks.
Replacing human labor with automation enhances productivity and reduces errors in the manufacturing process, resulting in a gradual decrease in the demand for traditional assembly line workers.
5. Bank Tellers
Traditional bank teller roles have become obsolete and are forecasted to decline by 15% by 2032, as online banking, ATMs, and mobile banking apps offer convenient alternatives for in-person transactions. The shift towards digital platforms has reduced the demand for traditional tellers.
6. Postal Workers
The role of conventional postal workers like mail sorters and delivery services is becoming obsolete due to emails, text, and voice calls. BLS forecasts a decline of 8% in postal worker jobs by 2032.
Automation, including using drones and autonomous vehicles for package delivery, is also increasingly replacing the need for human postal workers.
7. Routine Customer Service
AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants increasingly handle routine customer queries and issues, showcasing the industry’s shift toward automation.
These automated systems are designed to respond to common customer queries, provide information, and address straightforward issues without human intervention.
8. Basic Accounting
Automated accounting software can handle routine financial tasks, eliminating the need for manual entry-level bookkeepers. The shift also simplifies processes, enhances accuracy and speed, and reduces the likelihood of human errors, contributing to the diminishing demand for traditional accounting job roles.
9. File Clerks
File clerks will be replaced due to the emergence of advanced technologies such as document management systems and automated file organization software.
These tools reduce the requirements for humans to perform the same job.
10. Simple Data Analysis
AI and machine learning algorithms are slowly replacing traditional data analysts performing basic analysis. These technologies and automation tools can smoothly analyze large datasets, providing quicker and more insightful results, thus replacing manual analysis.
11. Data Entry
Data entry is no longer needed as computers and advanced technology can now automatically input and understand information, making the job of manual data entry clerks obsolete.
12. Translators
Machine translation technologies, like AI-powered language translation tools such as Google Translator, are slowly replacing translator jobs.
These automated tools can quickly and accurately translate text, reducing the reliance on human translators for routine tasks.
13. Proofreaders
Manual Proofreading jobs are decreasing with the increased use of automated proofreading tools and grammar-checking software. These technologies can quickly and accurately identify and correct errors in written content, reducing the reliance on human proofreaders for specific tasks. Although automated tools improve efficiency, human proofreaders remain valuable for detailed and context-specific proofreading needs.
14.Toll Booth Operators
Highways are increasingly adopting automated toll collection systems such as RFID tags and license plate recognition software as the new norm. These systems, exemplified by E-ZPass, offer quicker transactions and operate seamlessly 24/7 without requiring human assistance.
15. Meter Readers
The widespread adoption of smart meters has all the potential to make traditional meter reading jobs go. These advanced devices can directly send data to utility companies, eliminating the need for human meter readers. Adopting smart meters improves efficiency and minimizes the likelihood of human errors during the reading process.
16. Watch Repair Technicians
The traditional watch repair industry is facing erosion due to the emergence of high-quality smartwatches and durable digital timepieces. Even luxury brands are slowly incorporating digital features, leaving traditional watches behind.
17. Taxi Drivers
Traditional taxi driver roles are at risk as ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft gain popularity, providing convenient app-based alternatives.
The emergence of autonomous vehicles further threatens traditional taxi employment and change.