25 Jobs That Are Going to Disappear by 2034

In today’s rapidly changing world, technology and automation are transforming industries at an unprecedented pace. Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics are reshaping the job market, rendering some traditional roles obsolete while creating new opportunities in their wake. As businesses seek greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness, they are increasingly relying on automated systems to perform tasks that were once the domain of human workers.

This shift is not just limited to manual labor; even jobs requiring specialized skills and expertise are being affected. As we delve into the future of employment, it’s essential to understand which professions are most at risk of disappearing. This article explores various jobs that are expected to decline significantly over the next decade, driven by technological advancements and evolving business practices. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, staying informed about these trends can help you navigate the changing landscape and prepare for the future.

Telemarketers

Advanced AI algorithms are now capable of conducting sales calls, often without customers realizing they are interacting with a machine. These automated systems can analyze consumer data in real time to make more effective sales pitches, leading to significant increases in sales and return on investment for companies. 

AI-powered telemarketers do not require breaks and can work continuously, making them more efficient than their human counterparts. As a result, the demand for traditional telemarketers is decreasing. By 2034, many of these jobs may be replaced by AI, transforming the telemarketing industry. To remain relevant, human telemarketers may need to transition to roles involving complex problem-solving or personalized customer interactions.

Farm Workers

Technology is increasingly taking over the labor-intensive tasks on farms. From drones that monitor crops to automated tractors that handle planting and harvesting, modern farming is becoming more reliant on technology. Precision agriculture techniques enable farms to manage resources like water and fertilizers more efficiently, reducing the need for manual labor. AI is already being utilized in various forms, including driverless tractors, intelligent irrigation systems, smart spraying technology, vertical farming software, and robotic harvesters. 

As these technologies advance, the demand for traditional farm workers is expected to decline significantly by 2034. To stay relevant, farm workers may need to acquire skills in operating and maintaining these advanced agricultural technologies, adapting to the evolving landscape of modern farming.

Translators

AI-based translation tools are improving rapidly, capturing the subtleties of language that were once the domain of human translators. As machine learning technology advances, these tools are becoming capable of handling even complex translations, raising questions about the future demand for human translators. AI translation tools can process multiple texts in various languages simultaneously and continuously improve their translation quality over time. 

By 2034, these advancements could significantly reduce the need for human translators, especially for routine translation tasks. Human translators may need to focus on specialized or nuanced translation work that requires a deep cultural understanding to remain relevant. Additionally, expertise in using and improving AI translation tools could become an essential skill for translators in the future.

Librarians

The rise of digital libraries and AI-managed catalog systems is making physical libraries less necessary. People can access, own, and organize digital books much more quickly than physical ones, which also saves space and reduces the environmental impact of printing. The carbon footprint of publishing physical books to fill libraries versus maintaining digital collections is another factor driving this change. 

Digital libraries provide convenience and contribute to environmental conservation by saving trees. As a result, the traditional role of librarians is evolving, with many positions potentially being replaced by digital systems and AI by 2034. Librarians may need to adapt by focusing on digital literacy, managing online information resources, and helping users navigate the vast amount of digital information available.

Computer Programmers

The field of computer programming is facing significant changes due to the rise of automated coding tools and AI. These tools, bolstered by open-source AI libraries, are becoming more sophisticated and capable of automating routine coding tasks. AI can assist with various programming activities, from testing and debugging to writing basic code, which threatens the traditional roles of computer programmers. 

The trend towards automation in programming is expected to continue, with many routine programming jobs potentially being automated by 2034. Programmers may need to focus on more complex, creative, and supervisory tasks that cannot be easily replicated by AI to stay relevant in the industry. Additionally, developing skills in AI and machine learning could be crucial for future-proofing their careers.

Proofreaders

AI language tools are becoming highly adept at identifying spelling, grammar, and stylistic errors. These advanced platforms, such as Grammarly, are increasingly capable of handling straightforward proofreading tasks. While human expertise in nuanced language remains essential, the demand for traditional proofreaders is diminishing as AI tools improve in accuracy and efficiency. 

To stay relevant, proofreaders may need to specialize in complex editing tasks that require a human touch or gain proficiency in managing and enhancing AI proofreading technologies. Additionally, proofreaders might need to focus on areas like creative writing, academic publishing, or legal documents, where human insight and experience are crucial for maintaining quality and context.

Receptionists

Receptionists are responsible for greeting visitors, answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and performing various administrative tasks. However, the rise of AI-powered virtual assistants and automated phone systems is transforming this role. These technologies can efficiently handle call routing, appointment scheduling, and basic inquiries, reducing the need for human receptionists. Businesses are increasingly adopting these solutions to improve efficiency and cut costs. As a result, traditional receptionist roles are expected to decline. 

To remain relevant, individuals in this field may need to develop skills in customer relationship management, focus on personalized customer service, or transition to roles that require more complex problem-solving and human interaction. Additionally, receptionists might benefit from learning to manage and troubleshoot these AI systems, adding value to their skill set in an increasingly automated workplace.

Stock Traders

The role of stock traders is evolving rapidly due to the advancement of algorithmic trading and AI-driven financial analysis. These technologies can process vast amounts of market data, identify trends, and execute trades at speeds far beyond human capabilities. Algorithmic trading systems are now handling a significant portion of market transactions, making traditional stock trading roles less common. To stay relevant in this changing landscape, stock traders may need to focus on developing expertise in quantitative analysis, risk management, and strategic decision-making.

Additionally, gaining proficiency in using and overseeing AI trading systems can provide a competitive edge in the finance industry. Traders might also explore roles that require human intuition and experience, such as developing trading strategies or managing client portfolios.

Tax Preparers

Tax preparers face a significant challenge as AI algorithms and tax software advance. These technologies are becoming increasingly accurate and efficient, reducing the need for human intervention in tax filing. More individuals are opting to file their own taxes using user-friendly software, which minimizes errors and cuts down on costs associated with hiring a tax professional. 

Projections indicate that by 2034, about 20% of jobs in this field could disappear. As software becomes more sophisticated, it can handle more complex tax situations, further reducing the need for human tax preparers. Those in the profession may need to adapt by acquiring new skills or shifting to roles requiring human judgment and expertise.

Bank Teller Jobs

Bank tellers perform essential tasks such as verifying customer identities, processing transactions, and cashing checks. However, the rise of automated tellers and AI technologies poses a significant threat to these roles. According to several studies, including forecasts by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bank teller jobs have a high probability of disappearing in the future. Automated systems can handle transactions efficiently and accurately, reducing the need for human tellers. 

To stay relevant, bank employees may need to focus on customer service roles that require personal interaction, financial advisory positions, or roles involving the management and maintenance of automated banking systems. Additionally, bank tellers might benefit from developing skills in digital banking technologies and cybersecurity to enhance their value in the evolving financial industry.

Parking Enforcement Workers

Parking enforcement workers see their roles diminish as innovative parking systems take over. These advanced systems use sensors and cameras to monitor parking spaces, making them more efficient and less error-prone than human workers. As cities adopt these technologies to create smarter, more efficient urban environments, the need for human parking enforcement will decline. 

Municipal governments can then reallocate their budgets to other areas, further reducing the number of parking enforcement jobs. The trend towards automation in parking management indicates that this occupation may not survive much longer. Intelligent systems can provide real-time data on parking availability and usage patterns, helping cities optimize parking space allocation and reduce congestion.

Data Entry Jobs

Data entry jobs are increasingly being replaced by AI-powered systems that can fetch, process, enter, format, and communicate data based on user requirements. Advanced web scraping technologies and Python-based data processing scripts are making data entry clerks redundant. These automated systems can handle large volumes of data quickly and accurately, outperforming human data entry workers. 

As a result, the demand for traditional data entry roles is diminishing. Workers in this field may need to acquire new skills in data management, analysis, and interpretation to remain relevant in an increasingly automated workplace. Additionally, proficiency in AI and machine learning technologies could provide a competitive edge in adapting to new industry standards.

Warehouse Stockers

Warehouse stockers are increasingly at risk of being replaced by robots equipped with advanced sensors and AI. These machines can efficiently sort, place, and manage inventory without the need for breaks, reducing errors and increasing productivity. The rise of eCommerce has accelerated the demand for rapid order fulfillment, further driving the adoption of automated systems in warehouses. 

As companies strive for more efficient operations, traditional warehouse stocker positions are likely to become obsolete, with robots taking over the bulk of these tasks in the coming years. Automated systems can operate 24/7 without fatigue, significantly boosting the throughput and responsiveness of warehouse operations. This shift towards automation enhances operational efficiency and addresses labor shortages in the logistics sector.

Watch Repair Technicians

The traditional watch repair industry is facing a decline due to the increasing popularity of high-quality smartwatches and durable digital timepieces. Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Zers, are less inclined to own traditional watches, opting instead for smart devices that offer more than just timekeeping. 

Even luxury watch brands are incorporating digital features, reducing the relevance of traditional watch repair skills. As mechanical watches become less common and digital watches dominate the market, the need for traditional watch repair services is diminishing. Professionals must adapt by learning to repair digital and smartwatches to stay relevant.

Cashiers

The rise of self-checkout systems in retail stores is drastically reducing the need for traditional cashiers. From grocery stores to tech shops, automated checkout technology is becoming increasingly common. Experts predict that by 2034, these systems will be so widespread that the majority of cashier jobs will disappear.

Self-checkout not only lowers retailers’ labor costs but also provides customers a faster, more efficient shopping experience. As more stores adopt this technology, traditional cashier roles are expected to become obsolete, leading to a significant reduction in these jobs over the next decade.

Meter Readers

The introduction of smart meters is rapidly reducing the need for human meter readers. These digital meters can transmit data directly to utility companies, making the process more efficient and minimizing human error. Utility companies are increasingly adopting intelligent meters to improve accuracy and cut costs. 

As these devices become more common, the traditional role of meter readers is becoming obsolete. The shift towards smart meters is driven by the need for better service reliability and operational efficiency, indicating that meter reading jobs will continue to decline.

Mail Sorters

The postal service is undergoing significant changes due to automation, which is making traditional mail sorting jobs less necessary. Advanced sorting machines are faster and more reliable than human workers, and they can also scan, track, and notify recipients about their mail. The decline in physical mail due to the rise of digital communication further reduces the need for manual sorting. 

Postal services around the world are investing in automated systems to handle the decreasing volume of mail more efficiently. As a result, the demand for mail sorters is decreasing, and this trend is likely to continue as technology advances in the postal industry.

Casino Dealers

AI-powered dealers are beginning to replace human casino dealers, offering continuous service and reducing operational costs for casinos. These AI dealers can work around the clock and cater to players in various time zones, enhancing the gaming experience. They also analyze player behavior to customize rewards and promotions. 

Moreover, AI dealers eliminate the risks associated with human error, theft, and misconduct. As technology progresses, the role of human casino dealers is expected to decline significantly. By 2034, many traditional dealer jobs may be replaced by AI counterparts, transforming the casino industry. This shift will require current dealers to adapt or seek new employment opportunities in different sectors.

Prepress Technicians

Automation is making the role of prepress technicians less essential. Automated systems now handle layout and other prepress tasks with greater efficiency than humans. The growth of digital publishing has also contributed to this trend, as more people use self-publishing platforms like Amazon, which bypass traditional printing methods.

This shift reduces the demand for prepress technicians. As digital publishing continues to rise, the need for manual prepress work will likely decrease, leading to fewer job opportunities in this field. Those in the industry may need to explore new skills or other roles within the evolving landscape of publishing and printing to maintain their careers.

Taxi Drivers

The traditional taxi driver profession is at risk due to the rise of ride-sharing apps like Uber and the development of self-driving cars. Advances in autonomous vehicle technology suggest that many taxi driver jobs could disappear by 2034. Several cities are already testing self-driving cars, and more areas are expected to adopt this technology. 

Ride-sharing apps and autonomous vehicles offer convenience and cost savings, driving the move away from traditional taxi services and threatening the future of taxi driving jobs. Taxi drivers may need to adapt by learning new technologies or transitioning to roles that require human oversight and customer interaction.

Engine and Machine Assemblers

Robots equipped with precise sensors and tools are increasingly taking over the task of engine and machine assembly. These machines work faster and with fewer errors compared to human assemblers, making them a more cost-effective and efficient alternative. The use of robotics in manufacturing is growing, as companies seek to improve productivity and reduce costs. 

An Oxford report estimates that by 2034, around 20 million jobs will be replaced by robots. This shift casts a shadow over the future of human assemblers. To stay relevant, workers in this field may need to adapt by acquiring skills in robotics maintenance and programming, ensuring they can operate and oversee these advanced machines.

Fast-Food Workers

Automated kiosks and robot chefs are becoming more common in fast-food restaurants, drastically reducing the need for human staff. These technologies can take orders, cook, and serve food, meeting customer preferences for faster and more streamlined services. With advancements in voice-recognition AI, the entire ordering process could soon be fully automated. 

As the demand for quick and efficient service grows, the role of traditional fast-food workers is diminishing. By 2034, many of these jobs may be replaced by automated systems, transforming the fast-food industry. Workers may need to focus on roles that involve customer service or machine maintenance to stay employed in this evolving sector.

Referees

Technology like AI-assisted video refereeing is revolutionizing how sports games are officiated, raising questions about the future role of human referees. Video-assisted referee (VAR) systems are gaining wider acceptance, making human error in officiating less tolerable to fans and teams. AI and sensors can provide more accurate and consistent calls, potentially outperforming human referees who rely on years of experience. 

As these technologies continue to advance, the demand for human referees may decline. By 2034, AI could dominate sports officiating, requiring human referees to adapt by focusing on roles that involve oversight and ensuring fair play, or even learning to operate and manage these advanced systems.

Textile Workers

The textile industry is seeing a shift towards automation, with factories increasingly utilizing computer-controlled machinery for cutting and sewing. These machines can operate continuously and deliver higher precision than manual labor. As the technology becomes more accessible and widespread, many factories are adopting these methods to cut costs and boost production without sacrificing quality. 

This trend reduces the need for human textile workers, who will need to adapt by learning to operate and maintain automated systems. Furthermore, workers might find new opportunities in overseeing the production process, ensuring the machines run smoothly, and performing quality control to ensure the final products meet industry standards.

Toll Booth Operators

Highways are rapidly adopting automated toll collection systems, such as RFID tags and license plate recognition, to replace traditional toll booths. These systems offer faster, continuous operation without the need for human intervention. The implementation of technologies like E-ZPass has already begun to reduce the number of toll booth operators needed. 

As more highways embrace automation, the demand for these roles will continue to decline. Workers in this field may need to transition to positions involving the maintenance and oversight of these automated systems. Additionally, opportunities may arise in customer service roles, assisting users with issues related to automated toll systems, or in technical support, ensuring the technology functions correctly and efficiently.

Legal Secretaries

Legal secretaries are experiencing a shift in their roles due to the introduction of AI tools that handle tasks like legal research and document preparation. These technologies are capable of performing routine tasks, prompting law firms to reconsider their staffing requirements. Although AI is unlikely to fully replace legal secretaries, it will reduce the number of such roles necessary. 

Legal secretaries can remain valuable in a changing legal landscape by focusing on tasks that require human insight and learning to work alongside AI systems. Moreover, legal secretaries might need to develop expertise in managing legal software, ensuring data accuracy, and overseeing the integration of AI tools to improve the overall efficiency of law firm operations.

Graphic Designers

AI tools like DALL.E and MidJourney are transforming the graphic design industry, leading to significant layoffs. Businesses can now use these AI platforms to create basic graphics and logos by simply providing input, eliminating the need for human designers for many routine tasks. These AI-driven tools can produce high-quality designs quickly and cost-effectively. As a result, the demand for traditional graphic designers is declining. 

To remain competitive, designers may need to focus on more complex and creative aspects of design that require human intuition and originality or learn to leverage AI tools to enhance their work and offer unique value to clients. Additionally, graphic designers might consider specializing in areas where human creativity is still paramount, such as branding and custom illustrations.

Accounting

Basic accounting tasks, such as bookkeeping and payroll processing, often involve straightforward processes that can be easily automated based on user input. Research indicates a high risk of these jobs being replaced by AI. Automated accounting software can handle tasks like data entry, invoice processing, and financial reporting with greater speed and accuracy than humans. This shift reduces the need for human accountants to perform routine tasks. 

To stay relevant, accounting professionals may need to develop expertise in managing and interpreting financial data, offering strategic financial advice, and focusing on more complex financial tasks that require human judgment and insight. Additionally, accountants might need to become proficient in using and implementing AI tools to streamline their workflows and improve efficiency.

Postal Service Clerical Jobs

Postal service clerks play a crucial role in ensuring that millions of packages are processed and delivered on time. They handle tasks such as entering package information, taking money orders, assisting customers, and sorting mail. However, studies, including those from Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania, suggest that these roles could be automated in the future. 

Advances in AI and automation could streamline these processes, reducing the need for human clerks. To adapt, postal workers may need to transition to roles that involve managing and maintaining automated systems or focus on customer service aspects that require human interaction. The potential for automation in this field highlights the need for clerks to develop skills that complement technological advancements.

Locomotive Engineers

The role of locomotive engineers is under threat due to the rapid development of intelligent train technology. Modern trains are equipped with sophisticated automation systems requiring minimal human intervention. These systems enhance safety by reducing human errors related to fatigue and distraction, and they can also detect mechanical issues such as cracks in wheels, which human inspectors might miss. As these automated technologies become more prevalent, the demand for traditional locomotive engineers is expected to decline significantly. 

The implementation of autonomous train technology promises to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs, making it an attractive option for rail companies. This shift impacts locomotive engineers and other related jobs in the rail industry that rely on human oversight and control.

HR Roles

Entry-level HR positions often involve tasks such as reviewing numerous job applications, comparing candidate qualifications, drafting experience letters, responding to basic employee inquiries, and processing attendance and payroll data. These tasks are increasingly being automated by AI technologies, making many traditional HR roles redundant. For example, IBM recently announced plans to pause hiring for specific roles that could be automated by AI, specifically highlighting basic HR tasks. 

As AI continues to develop and become more sophisticated, HR professionals may need to shift their focus to strategic planning, employee engagement, and talent development, which require human insight and expertise. This shift will necessitate HR professionals to continuously update their skills and adapt to the changing technological landscape.

Dispatchers

Advanced GPS and real-time tracking systems are gradually making human dispatchers less necessary in logistics and emergency services. AI can efficiently handle tasks such as route optimization, calculating rates, and answering customer inquiries. Some large cities are already using AI to manage non-emergency calls, helping to address staff shortages. 

These AI systems process information quickly and accurately, improving the efficiency of dispatch operations. As technology advances, traditional dispatcher roles are likely to decrease. Workers in this field may need to transition to positions that involve overseeing and maintaining these automated systems or focus on customer service roles that require human interaction and problem-solving skills.

Journalists and Reporters

News organizations are increasingly using AI-driven software for writing and information gathering. Many online news articles are now written by machines rather than humans. As these AI tools become more sophisticated, they are expected to replace even more journalist and reporter roles. These tools can quickly generate news stories from data inputs, making them highly efficient for content production. 

To remain relevant, journalists might need to focus on investigative reporting, in-depth analysis, and unique storytelling that requires human creativity and perspective. Developing expertise in multimedia content creation and digital journalism could also help journalists adapt to the evolving media landscape.

Bowling Pinsetters

Bowling pinsetters are responsible for manually setting up pins for the next round after they are knocked down. This role has been largely replaced by automated pinsetting machines that can reset pins quickly and efficiently. These machines ensure consistent performance and reduce the need for human labor. 

As technology in bowling alleys continues to advance, the demand for manual pinsetters is expected to decline further. Workers in this field may need to adapt by learning to operate, maintain, and repair these automated systems. Additionally, focusing on customer service roles within the bowling alley could provide alternative employment opportunities.

Travel Agents

The role of travel agents has been significantly impacted by the rise of online booking platforms and AI-powered travel planning tools. These technologies allow consumers to book flights, hotels, and activities easily, often at lower costs. AI can also provide personalized travel recommendations based on user preferences and past behavior. As a result, the demand for traditional travel agents is declining. 

To stay relevant, travel agents may need to focus on offering specialized travel services, such as luxury or adventure travel, where personal expertise and detailed planning are valued. Developing skills in using AI tools to enhance their services could also help travel agents remain competitive in the industry.