2030’s Job Losers: Who’s at Risk—and What Comes Next

According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, the job market is going through a major shakeup. By 2030, a lot of roles we once saw as stable are expected to shrink fast in terms of actual demand. Automation, AI, and changing business needs are pushing certain jobs to the sidelines. In this blog post, we'll break down the 15 job categories expected to decline the most by 2030. We'll explain what each job is, who it includes, and what those people actually do. Then I'll talk about what to consider (just my ideas) if you're in one of these roles—or planning to be (which requires shrewdness).

1. Cashiers and Ticket Clerks

Who they are: These workers operate cash registers, handle transactions, and issue tickets (e.g., at cinemas, transport terminals, or events).

Jobs under this group:

• Retail cashiers
• Movie theater ticket clerks
• Train or bus ticket counter staff
• Parking lot cashiers

What they do: They handle payments, give change, scan products, and sometimes assist with customer questions. In ticket roles, they may also verify IDs and print physical tickets.

Why it's declining: Self-checkout kiosks, mobile payments, and e-ticketing are making these jobs less necessary.

What’s next: You already know how to work with people, handle money, and solve small problems on the fly. These are great skills for roles in customer support, retail tech, or even sales. Learn digital tools like point-of-sale systems, inventory platforms, or Shopify to pivot into retail tech or online commerce.

2. Administrative Assistants and Executive Secretaries

Who they are: Office support workers who help executives or teams stay organized.

Jobs under this group:

• Office assistants
• Personal assistants
• Executive secretaries
• Admin clerks

What they do: Manage schedules, handle correspondence, book travel, and organize meetings.

Why it's declining: Digital calendars, AI scheduling tools, and virtual assistants are replacing basic admin tasks.

What’s next: You already manage time, people, and communication. Pivot into project coordination, operations support, or tech-savvy admin roles. Learn tools like Notion, Trello, Asana, or CRMs (like Salesforce or HubSpot) to stay competitive.

3. Building Caretakers, Cleaners, and Housekeepers

Who they are: Workers who maintain cleanliness and order in buildings, hotels, and homes.

Jobs under this group:

• Janitors
• Hotel housekeepers
• School or office cleaners
• Building caretakers

What they do: Clean rooms, maintain hygiene, and sometimes handle light repairs or building access.

Why it's declining: Automation in cleaning (robot vacuums, UV disinfectants) and outsourcing are major factors.

What’s next: Your skills in upkeep and attention to detail can shift to facilities management, sanitation compliance, or green cleaning services. Get certified in eco-cleaning practices or basic building systems maintenance to move up.

4. Material-Recording and Stock-Keeping Clerks

Who they are: They track goods, manage inventory records, and ensure stock levels.

Jobs under this group:

• Inventory clerks
• Stockroom assistants
• Warehouse record keepers

What they do: Check stock levels, input data, monitor deliveries.

Why it's declining: Automated inventory systems and RFID tracking are doing the job faster and more accurately.

What’s next: You understand logistics and flow. Shift into warehouse tech support, supply chain data entry, or logistics planning. Learn warehouse management systems (WMS), Excel for logistics, or inventory apps.

5. Printing and Related Trades Workers

Who they are: Operate printing machines and prepare materials for print.

Jobs under this group:

• Offset press operators
• Print finishers
• Prepress technicians

What they do: Prepare layouts, load paper, maintain equipment, and ensure print quality.

Why it's declining: Digital publishing and online media have replaced much of the need for printed materials.

What’s next: Use your eye for layout and color to move into digital design or digital publishing. Learn Canva, InDesign, or basic WordPress. Consider 3D printing or packaging design as new routes.

6. Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Clerks

Who they are: Handle financial records and payroll for businesses.

Jobs under this group:

• Accounts payable/receivable clerks
• Bookkeepers
• Payroll administrators

What they do: Enter data, reconcile accounts, prepare paychecks.

Why it's declining: Cloud accounting software and automation tools like QuickBooks and Xero are handling these tasks.

What’s next: Your attention to detail and finance knowledge is valuable in budgeting, reporting, or analytics. Learn Excel deeply, or move into roles using tools like QuickBooks, Xero, or Tableau.

7. Accountants and Auditors

Who they are: Professionals who manage financial records, audits, and taxes.

Jobs under this group:

• CPAs
• Internal auditors
• Forensic accountants

What they do: Prepare tax filings, check for fraud, ensure compliance.

Why it's declining: AI can scan and analyze financial records more efficiently, reducing the need for human review.

What’s next: Move into financial consulting, risk management, or business strategy. Specialize in areas AI can’t replace easily, like complex advisory or international tax law.

8. Transportation Attendants and Conductors

Who they are: Staff who help passengers and oversee transport safety.

Jobs under this group:

• Train conductors
• Bus attendants
• Airplane cabin crew (in some areas)

What they do: Check tickets, guide passengers, ensure safety.

Why it's declining: Ticket automation and driverless vehicles reduce the need for attendants.

What’s next: Your experience with logistics and safety is perfect for operations support, fleet coordination, or travel planning. Consider certification in logistics software or basic safety inspection training.

9. Security Guards

Who they are: Personnel who monitor premises to prevent crime or damage.

Jobs under this group:

• Mall security
• Event security
• Corporate building guards

What they do: Patrol areas, monitor cameras, respond to incidents.

Why it's declining: Surveillance tech and AI-based systems are replacing basic guard duties.

What’s next: Transition to tech-based security roles like CCTV monitoring, cybersecurity, or alarm system installation. Learn basic IT security or pursue certifications like CompTIA Security+.

10. Bank Tellers and Related Clerks

Who they are: Frontline staff at banks handling transactions.

Jobs under this group:

• Bank tellers
• Deposit clerks

What they do: Process deposits, withdrawals, and answer account questions.

Why it's declining: Mobile banking, ATMs, and online chatbots have replaced routine transactions.

What’s next: Use your financial communication skills in customer experience, fintech support, or digital banking onboarding. Consider training in tools like Zendesk, Salesforce, or mobile app UX.

11. Data Entry Clerks

Who they are: Staff who input and manage data.

Jobs under this group:

• Typists
• Data encoders
• Document processors

What they do: Enter information into databases, often from paper forms.

Why it's declining: OCR (optical character recognition) and automated data pipelines make manual entry obsolete.

What’s next: Pivot into database management, data cleaning, or analytics. Learn Excel, Airtable, SQL basics, or Google Sheets scripting.

12. Client Information and Customer Service Workers

Who they are: People who handle client questions and concerns.

Jobs under this group:

• Call center agents
• Front desk personnel
• Online support reps

What they do: Answer calls, resolve complaints, manage bookings or accounts.

Why it's declining: Chatbots, AI support agents, and self-service platforms are replacing live support.

What’s next: Move into customer experience design, support automation, or community management. Learn Zendesk, Intercom, or basic chatbot design.

13. Graphic Designers

Who they are: Creative professionals who design visuals for digital or print.

Jobs under this group:

• Print designers
• Brand designers
• Layout artists

What they do: Create logos, ads, websites, and social media graphics.

Why it's declining: AI design tools (like Canva, Midjourney) are making basic design fast and cheap.

What’s next: Focus on what AI can’t replicate easily: branding strategy, UI/UX design, or motion graphics. Learn Figma, Adobe XD, After Effects, or user research methods.

14. Business Services and Administration Managers

Who they are: Mid-level managers overseeing admin and support services.

Jobs under this group:

• Office managers
• Business support managers
• Admin operations leads

What they do: Supervise office activities, manage staff, and handle policies.

Why it's declining: Leaner organizational models and tech platforms reduce management layers.

What’s next: Shift to digital operations, project management, or internal process design. Learn tools like Monday.com, Jira, or Six Sigma fundamentals.

15. Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Who they are: Professionals who evaluate insurance claims.

Jobs under this group:

• Insurance adjusters
• Claims examiners
• Fraud investigators

What they do: Assess damages, interview clients, verify documents.

Why it's declining: AI can assess standard claims and detect fraud more efficiently.

What’s next: Specialize in complex, high-risk cases, legal review, or insuretech tools. Consider learning data modeling, claims automation platforms, or regulatory compliance.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re in one of these roles, it’s not the end of the road. Many of these fields aren’t vanishing entirely—they’re evolving. The safest bet? Be flexible. Focus on transferable skills, explore how tech is changing your field, and get comfortable learning new tools. Think less about the job title—and more about the value you bring.

Stay ahead, stay skilled, and stay curious.

Source: Future of Jobs Report 2025, World Economic Forum