10 Old Trade Jobs That Are Disappearing

Additional Coverage:

10 Dying Trade Jobs That Aren’t Worth Pursuing at This Point (financebuzz.com)

The Changing Landscape of American Trade Jobs: What’s Hot and What’s Not

In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving consumer demands, the American job market is undergoing a significant transformation. Many traditional trade jobs, once considered stable career paths, are now facing decline. For those considering a career change or entering the workforce, understanding which trades offer long-term stability is more crucial than ever.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), several trade professions are projected to see a decrease in employment between 2024 and 2034. Here’s a look at 10 trades that are expected to lose workers in the coming decade:

1. Boilermakers

Projected Growth: -2%

Boilermakers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing large metal tanks, boilers, and pressure vessels. The decline in this field is largely attributed to the decrease in new coal-fired power plant construction. Automation in manufacturing and assembly also reduces the demand for traditional boilermaker labor in the field.

2. Welders

Projected Growth: 2%

While welding jobs are expected to see some growth, it will be at a much slower pace than the average for all professions. Automation, particularly robotic systems in factories, has increasingly taken over repetitive welding tasks, impacting overall job expansion.

3. Vending Machine Repairers

Projected Growth: -3%

The need for vending machine repair workers is shrinking as newer machines become more reliable and easier to replace than repair. The shift towards smart kiosks and cashless retail systems also contributes to the decline of traditional vending machine numbers.

4. Machinists

Projected Growth: -2%

Machinists, who set up and operate equipment to produce machine parts, are facing declining employment due to advancements in automation and computer-controlled manufacturing. Computer numerical control (CNC) machines allow for fewer workers to produce the same volume of parts, even as skilled machinists are still needed for programming and maintenance.

5. Pressers and Textile Workers

Projected Growth: -13%

Textile pressing jobs are projected for a sharp decline as clothing production continues to move overseas and automated finishing equipment becomes more prevalent. Domestic textile manufacturing has steadily contracted, limiting long-term opportunities in this field.

6. Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers

Projected Growth: -4%

Despite a growing interest in sustainable practices, the cobbler profession is seeing negative growth. Consumers often prefer to replace shoes and leather goods rather than repair them due to low prices and fast-fashion trends.

7. Sewing Machine Operators

Projected Growth: -11%

Sewing machine operators are facing one of the largest projected employment declines among production occupations. This is primarily due to automation and the continued offshoring of apparel manufacturing.

8. Printing Press Operators

Projected Growth: -8%

Employment for printing press operators is expected to decline as the demand for printed materials continues to diminish. The shift towards digital media, online advertising, and electronic documents are significant contributing factors.

9. Masons

Projected Growth: 2%

While construction remains active, masonry jobs are projected to grow more slowly than average. The industry is increasingly shifting towards alternative materials and prefabricated systems, reducing the need for traditional masonry labor.

10. Oil and Gas Workers

Projected Growth: 1%

Employment in oil and gas extraction is projected to grow much slower than average. Efficiency gains allow companies to produce more energy with fewer workers, and the long-term shift towards renewable energy further limits job expansion in this sector.

Bucking the Trend: Growth in Other Trades

It’s not all grim news for trade jobs, however. Many skilled professions are experiencing significant growth.

General construction laborers, for instance, are projected to see “much faster than average” growth over the next decade, with an estimated 109,000 new jobs added. Carson Starkey, a lead organizer for the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, notes a “growing interest in trade jobs” among Gen Z, highlighting a “solid opportunity in general construction labor.”

The Bottom Line for Your Career Path

Trade jobs have long offered a robust alternative to office-based careers, but the landscape is undeniably shifting. Automation, outsourcing, and evolving consumer habits are reshaping the demand for many hands-on, traditional trades.

Before investing time and money into training for a new career, it’s wise to consult BLS job projections and consider how your existing skills and interests might align with growing fields. Understanding your market “flexibility” can help you financially prepare for economic shifts in an ever-evolving job market.