Fastest declining jobs in America, 2024–34
Ranked by projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034, most negative first. A declining projection does not mean a job is disappearing — most of these still hire steadily to replace people who leave.
Wages: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Projections: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–34
| # | Occupation | MedianUnited States | 10th–90th percentilemiddle half shaded darker | Growth 2024–34 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Word Processors and TypistsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $49,280 | $36,810 – $65,150 | -36.1% |
| 2 | Switchboard Operators, Including Answering ServiceHigh school diploma or equivalent | $38,630 | $29,990 – $59,470 | -26.3% |
| 3 | Data Entry KeyersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $41,340 | $31,200 – $58,790 | -25.9% |
| 4 | Foundry Mold and CoremakersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $48,110 | $37,160 – $62,640 | -25.9% |
| 5 | Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground MiningNo formal educational credential | $74,500 | $52,030 – $87,730 | -22.3% |
| 6 | TelemarketersNo formal educational credential | $35,450 | $27,040 – $50,350 | -22.1% |
| 7 | Grinding and Polishing Workers, HandNo formal educational credential | $42,660 | $33,480 – $60,810 | -21.2% |
| 8 | Engine and Other Machine AssemblersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $53,710 | $38,500 – $77,750 | -21.1% |
| 9 | Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $49,080 | $36,300 – $68,410 | -19.6% |
| 10 | Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $49,030 | $36,800 – $68,720 | -18.9% |
| 11 | Cutters and Trimmers, HandNo formal educational credential | $38,020 | $26,630 – $57,870 | -18.1% |
| 12 | Order ClerksSome college, no degree | $46,170 | $35,530 – $63,530 | -17.2% |
| 13 | Payroll and Timekeeping ClerksHigh school diploma or equivalent | $58,260 | $39,500 – $81,350 | -16.7% |
| 14 | Structural Metal Fabricators and FittersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $51,330 | $37,960 – $72,280 | -16.3% |
| 15 | Print Binding and Finishing WorkersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $42,290 | $32,220 – $59,150 | -16.1% |
| 16 | File ClerksHigh school diploma or equivalent | $43,600 | $31,200 – $63,490 | -15.9% |
| 17 | Nuclear Power Reactor OperatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $122,890 | $98,640 – $149,310 | -15.3% |
| 18 | Office Machine Operators, Except ComputerHigh school diploma or equivalent | $40,960 | $31,750 – $57,960 | -15.2% |
| 19 | Prepress Technicians and WorkersPostsecondary nondegree award | $48,690 | $35,810 – $66,080 | -14.6% |
| 20 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems AssemblersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $65,380 | $47,310 – $107,500 | -14.5% |
| 21 | Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $52,800 | $37,840 – $81,030 | -14.4% |
| 22 | Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language InstructorsBachelor's degree | $61,540 | $41,810 – $98,030 | -13.7% |
| 23 | Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $50,620 | $36,670 – $69,700 | -13.6% |
| 24 | Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor VehiclesHigh school diploma or equivalent | $48,420 | $35,590 – $70,170 | -13.6% |
| 25 | Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $43,960 | $33,790 – $60,370 | -13.6% |
| 26 | Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related MaterialsNo formal educational credential | $35,060 | $27,180 – $43,050 | -13.5% |
| 27 | Cooks, Fast FoodNo formal educational credential | $30,890 | $22,580 – $42,910 | -13.5% |
| 28 | New Accounts ClerksHigh school diploma or equivalent | $47,670 | $38,180 – $60,910 | -13.2% |
| 29 | Machine Feeders and OffbearersNo formal educational credential | $41,220 | $32,220 – $58,160 | -13.0% |
| 30 | TellersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $43,030 | $34,360 – $49,680 | -12.9% |
| 31 | Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $48,750 | $35,180 – $66,350 | -12.8% |
| 32 | Desktop PublishersAssociate's degree | $55,290 | $35,680 – $96,170 | -12.4% |
| 33 | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $46,330 | $35,760 – $65,510 | -12.1% |
| 34 | Meter Readers, UtilitiesHigh school diploma or equivalent | $48,150 | $34,720 – $85,930 | -12.0% |
| 35 | Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $46,550 | $36,110 – $62,600 | -12.0% |
| 36 | Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $38,760 | $28,650 – $49,420 | -11.7% |
| 37 | Interviewers, Except Eligibility and LoanHigh school diploma or equivalent | $45,920 | $33,900 – $62,810 | -11.6% |
| 38 | Power Plant OperatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $102,040 | $61,790 – $131,940 | -11.2% |
| 39 | Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $39,530 | $29,960 – $49,130 | -11.2% |
| 40 | Sewing Machine OperatorsNo formal educational credential | $36,670 | $27,860 – $47,840 | -10.8% |
| 41 | Tool and Die MakersPostsecondary nondegree award | $64,050 | $44,680 – $92,680 | -10.8% |
| 42 | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $50,690 | $38,140 – $73,890 | -10.7% |
| 43 | Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble SettersNo formal educational credential | $47,550 | $36,230 – $70,080 | -10.5% |
| 44 | Bill and Account CollectorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $47,030 | $34,400 – $65,580 | -10.5% |
| 45 | Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and TendersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $38,180 | $30,300 – $48,100 | -10.1% |
| 46 | Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related WorkersNo formal educational credential | $41,380 | $32,010 – $51,470 | -10.0% |
| 47 | CashiersNo formal educational credential | $32,880 | $24,530 – $40,410 | -9.9% |
| 48 | Carpet InstallersNo formal educational credential | $50,340 | $35,450 – $82,140 | -9.6% |
| 49 | Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All OtherHigh school diploma or equivalent | $45,950 | $35,350 – $65,510 | -9.5% |
| 50 | Brokerage ClerksHigh school diploma or equivalent | $65,750 | $50,260 – $102,010 | -9.5% |