The rise of artificial intelligence has excited a lot of people. Yet, others — especially workers — are fearful about what AI will mean for their future.
Recently, the World Economic Forum released its latest Future of Jobs Report, including a ranking of the jobs that will decline the most by 2030, based on a survey of more than 1,000 of the world’s largest employers. Unfortunately, most of these jobs are expected to shrink due to technologies like AI.
Here are the types of jobs projected to see the largest losses by 2030 — tens of millions of jobs in all.
10. Bank tellers and related clerks
Bank tellers and related clerks help people complete financial transactions. For example, they might cash checks or process deposits. Some clerks might also be responsible for things such as collecting loan payments.
9. Security guards
Security guards patrol and monitor locations to thwart or respond to infractions and crimes like theft. Some may use X-ray and metal detector equipment.
The World Economic Forum notes that security guard jobs typically require only vocational training or an associate’s degree. On the downside, they pay considerably less than jobs that require more extensive preparation and training, such as pharmacists and lawyers.
8. Transportation attendants and conductors
Transportation attendants and conductors issue and check tickets, and make sure passengers are safe and have their other needs met. These workers may be found on trains, trams, buses and other forms of public transport.
One thing these jobs have in common with certain others that are shrinking is that they generally require lower levels of proficiency in manual skills, the World Economic Forum reports.
Jobs that are growing, on the other hand, often demand high levels of proficiency in manual skills. Examples of these jobs include drafters, engineering and mapping technicians, electrotechnology engineers, mechanics, machinery repairers and solar energy installation engineers.
7. Accountants and auditors
Accountants and auditors are experts in financial records who help to both examine and prepare such documents. They are especially busy during tax season and around the time of quarterly audits.
These types of roles are projected to see a net decline of roughly 1 million jobs by 2030.
“Broadening digital access, AI and information processing technologies, and robots and autonomous systems are the primary drivers for this decline,” the World Economic Forum reports.
6. Accounting, bookkeeping and payroll clerks
Accounting, bookkeeping and payroll clerks produce financial records and check them for accuracy. A command of basic math is a key skill in these jobs.
They are projected to see a net decline of roughly 2 million jobs by 2030.
5. Printing and related trades workers
Printing and related trades workers help to print many different types of products. These range from newspapers and books to business forms, stationery and labels.
These types of roles will see a projected net decline of roughly 2 million jobs by 2030, with the World Economic Forum again citing “broadening digital access, AI and information processing technologies, and robots and autonomous systems” as the main reason for the decline.
4. Material-recording and stock-keeping clerks
Among other tasks, material-recording clerks track inventory and help keep supply chains working. Stock-keeping clerks make sure shelves are stocked and products are in their proper place in a store.
These types of clerk jobs will see a projected net decline of roughly 2.5 million jobs by 2030.
3. Building caretakers, cleaners and housekeepers
Building caretakers, cleaners and housekeepers provide a variety of services all around the idea of maintaining a building and keeping it safe. They do everything from cleaning and simple repairs to performing security checks.
These jobs are projected to see a net decline of a few million jobs by 2030.
2. Administrative assistants and executive secretaries
Administrative and executive secretaries help their bosses by performing research, preparing reports and arranging meetings. They also might be in charge of lower-level staff.
The Harvard Business Review reports that CEOs are already using generative AI for strategic planning. So, perhaps it’s no wonder that the World Economic Forum expects a net decline of more than 5 million administrative assistant and executive secretary jobs by 2030, with technologies like AI being among the main reasons for the job losses.
1. Cashiers and ticket clerks
Cashiers help us complete our purchases in stores, restaurants and other locations. Ticket clerks help us gain admission to events such as movies, concerts and sporting events.
As vital as these people might seem, their jobs are threatened by technology. Cashier and ticket clerk jobs will see a projected net decline of well over 10 million jobs by 2030. Once again, the main reason for the job losses is technology like artificial intelligence and automation.
Leave a Comment