Recently, CareerCast came out with the most up-to-date version of their endangered jobs list. You might notice that many of the industries associated with the jobs listed here have been impacted by technology in one way or another. This isn’t a big surprise, but it should resonate as a bit of a warning for folks who find their jobs on this list.
(Photo Credit: amboo who?/Flickr)
It might be time to start thinking about a backup plan just in case. Let’s take a closer look at the six most endangered jobs of 2015. (Note: all projected growth statistics are for 2012-2022.)
1. Mail Carrier (median annual salary – $50,889)
Projected Growth Outlook = -28 percent.
Mail carriers have been given the title of having the most endangered job of 2015. The use of email and social media for communication has changed the way we use the U.S. postal service, and this is having a big impact on the industry.
2. Meter Reader (median annual salary – $32,999)
Projected Growth Outlook = -19 percent.
Technology is allowing utility companies to automate the process of meter reading to a greater extent. That means fewer people are needed out in the field.
3. Farmer (median annual salary – $33,653)
Projected Growth Outlook = -19 percent.
Again, due to technology, work that’s done on farms is becoming more and more streamlined and requires fewer workers.
4. Newspaper Reporter (median annual salary – $34,113)
Projected Growth Outlook = -13 percent.
You guessed it. Once again, technology is largely to blame for the decline in newspaper reporter positions. These days, a lot of people get their news online.
5. Logging Worker (median annual salary – $41,026)
Projected Growth Outlook = -9 percent.
The logging industry has been hit with a double technology whammy. First, like with farming, the process has been streamlined and requires less workers to do the same job. Second, the reduction in paper use requires less product be produced in the first place.
6. Jeweler (median annual salary – $40,354)
Projected Growth Outlook= -10 percent.
CareerCast notes that outsourcing of jewel manufacturer positions is largely to blame for the anticipated continued decline in this industry. By 2022, they project a 10 percent decline in the availability of these jobs.
For more information, be sure to check out the complete list of the most endangered jobs for 2015.
Tell Us What You Think
How do you expect your industry to change in the next few years? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.
Lou, there was a typo — it should have said 2022, not 2012. It’s corrected now. Thanks for the catch!
I don’t quite understand one of the details in #6. You state “By 2012, they project a 10 percent decline in the availability of these jobs.” What year was actually intended? Thanks.
more and more online shopping results in huge increase of package delivery by post office, mail carrier’s jobs are not endengered
Excellent article