Fastest declining jobs in California, 2024–34
Ranked by projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034 in California, most negative first. A declining projection does not mean a job is disappearing — most of these still hire steadily to replace people who leave.
Where these projections come from: State projections are produced by California's own workforce agency and collected by Projections Central — the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes projections only at the national level. Methodology varies by state, so these are not directly comparable with the national figures. Wages remain BLS OEWS.
Wages: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Projections: Projections Central, 2024–34
| # | Occupation | MedianCalifornia | 10th–90th percentilemiddle half shaded darker | Growth 2024–34 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and TendersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $36,670 | $36,610 – $45,280 | -40.0% |
| 2 | Word Processors and TypistsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $56,380 | $40,760 – $65,720 | -34.5% |
| 3 | Print Binding and Finishing WorkersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $45,390 | $35,900 – $59,290 | -31.2% |
| 4 | Grinding and Polishing Workers, HandNo formal educational credential | $44,450 | $36,050 – $64,710 | -26.3% |
| 5 | Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All OtherHigh school diploma or equivalent | $36,740 | $34,320 – $48,260 | -26.3% |
| 6 | Switchboard Operators, Including Answering ServiceHigh school diploma or equivalent | $48,840 | $37,380 – $79,260 | -23.9% |
| 7 | Sewing Machine OperatorsNo formal educational credential | $37,940 | $34,950 – $49,040 | -23.8% |
| 8 | Service Unit Operators, Oil and GasNo formal educational credential | $62,580 | $46,030 – $104,900 | -23.3% |
| 9 | TelemarketersNo formal educational credential | $46,000 | $34,320 – $60,400 | -22.5% |
| 10 | Data Entry KeyersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $47,010 | $37,490 – $61,520 | -21.6% |
| 11 | New Accounts ClerksHigh school diploma or equivalent | $52,100 | $45,680 – $72,690 | -20.0% |
| 12 | Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $59,050 | $45,420 – $84,340 | -20.0% |
| 13 | Structural Metal Fabricators and FittersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $57,590 | $45,140 – $76,110 | -20.0% |
| 14 | Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor VehiclesHigh school diploma or equivalent | $48,500 | $34,320 – $88,330 | -20.0% |
| 15 | Printing Press OperatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $46,110 | $36,580 – $63,910 | -20.0% |
| 16 | TellersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $46,900 | $38,030 – $58,660 | -18.1% |
| 17 | Order ClerksSome college, no degree | $47,290 | $37,170 – $66,580 | -17.9% |
| 18 | Semiconductor Processing TechniciansHigh school diploma or equivalent | $48,030 | $40,550 – $61,030 | -16.7% |
| 19 | Prepress Technicians and WorkersPostsecondary nondegree award | $53,860 | $38,870 – $76,420 | -16.7% |
| 20 | Engine and Other Machine AssemblersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $46,810 | $36,080 – $73,990 | -16.7% |
| 21 | Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $46,760 | $36,730 – $59,610 | -16.1% |
| 22 | Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $48,940 | $40,130 – $69,760 | -16.0% |
| 23 | Drafters, All OtherAssociate's degree | $73,390 | $49,200 – $104,290 | -15.8% |
| 24 | Power Plant OperatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $105,210 | $63,510 – $171,800 | -15.4% |
| 25 | Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $60,180 | $43,480 – $79,690 | -15.4% |
| 26 | Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $45,890 | $36,510 – $62,630 | -14.1% |
| 27 | Payroll and Timekeeping ClerksHigh school diploma or equivalent | $65,340 | $46,120 – $92,080 | -13.8% |
| 28 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems AssemblersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $63,640 | $48,120 – $94,280 | -13.3% |
| 29 | File ClerksHigh school diploma or equivalent | $49,040 | $36,780 – $78,100 | -13.3% |
| 30 | Furniture FinishersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $49,080 | $37,490 – $70,280 | -13.3% |
| 31 | Office Machine Operators, Except ComputerHigh school diploma or equivalent | $47,150 | $36,870 – $70,540 | -13.0% |
| 32 | Carpet InstallersNo formal educational credential | $54,440 | $38,380 – $80,560 | -12.9% |
| 33 | Telecommunications Line Installers and RepairersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $97,980 | $60,260 – $106,230 | -12.8% |
| 34 | Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related MaterialsNo formal educational credential | $39,300 | $36,570 – $45,100 | -12.8% |
| 35 | Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine RepairersSome college, no degree | $58,280 | $38,660 – $75,570 | -12.7% |
| 36 | Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language InstructorsBachelor's degree | $102,030 | $55,930 – $131,510 | -11.8% |
| 37 | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHigh school diploma or equivalent | $48,450 | $37,090 – $68,500 | -11.7% |
| 38 | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsHigh school diploma or equivalent | $56,510 | $39,670 – $76,840 | -11.5% |
| 39 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and GaugersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $103,250 | $72,930 – $128,840 | -11.4% |
| 40 | Tool and Die MakersPostsecondary nondegree award | $77,030 | $45,710 – $104,260 | -11.1% |
| 41 | Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine OperatorsNo formal educational credential | $59,490 | $47,440 – $75,280 | -11.0% |
| 42 | Cooks, Fast FoodNo formal educational credential | $42,050 | $35,750 – $48,750 | -10.3% |
| 43 | Machine Feeders and OffbearersNo formal educational credential | $40,380 | $36,900 – $58,050 | -10.2% |
| 44 | Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All OtherHigh school diploma or equivalent | $47,380 | $39,430 – $70,990 | -10.0% |
| 45 | Electrical and Electronics DraftersAssociate's degree | $78,310 | $50,620 – $146,810 | -10.0% |
| 46 | Cabinetmakers and Bench CarpentersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $49,030 | $38,740 – $67,780 | -9.8% |
| 47 | News Analysts, Reporters, and JournalistsBachelor's degree | — | —— – — | -9.8% |
| 48 | Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom SewersNo formal educational credential | $44,360 | $35,820 – $64,340 | -9.6% |
| 49 | Helpers--Production WorkersHigh school diploma or equivalent | $43,970 | $36,640 – $62,130 | -9.5% |
| 50 | Credit AnalystsBachelor's degree | $97,860 | $61,380 – $194,760 | -9.4% |