8 jobs that will disappear by 2030

What the future of work looks like

Several factors are shaping the employment landscape right now. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, technological change, economic uncertainty, and demographic shifts are transforming the global labor market.

Here's what the data shows:

• 92 million jobs will be displaced by 2030
• 170 million new roles will emerge in the same timeframe
• 39% of workers' key skills are expected to change by 2030
• 86% of employers expect AI and information processing technologies to transform their business

The jobs most at risk? Those that rely on repetitive, routine tasks or standardized interactions. Roles requiring creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving are much safer — at least for now.

Remote work and the gig economy are also reshaping the traditional job landscape. Professionals have more flexibility in where and how they work, which can support better work-life balance. But this shift also means workers need to stay agile and continuously learn new skills to keep up with changing demands.

8 jobs at risk of disappearing

According to a McKinsey report on the impact of generative AI and the Forrester AI Job Impact Forecast, industries that rely on tasks that can be automated or streamlined are the most vulnerable. Let's take a look at eight of them.

1. Data entry and data processing

For years, data entry and processing have been fundamental to the tech sector. But advances in AI and machine learning have made it possible to automate these tasks with unprecedented efficiency.

AI-powered software can now scan, categorize, and extract data from different sources — eliminating the need for human employees to do it manually. Organizations are increasingly adopting these solutions to manage large datasets quickly and accurately.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects data entry keyers' employment will decline by about 25% from 2023 to 2033 — one of the steepest drops across all occupations.

2. Manual software testing

Software testing plays a critical role in the development process. Traditionally, quality assurance professionals have manually executed test cases and documented defects.

But AI-powered automated testing tools are becoming increasingly important. They can quickly run a variety of tests, analyze results, and even predict potential problems based on historical data. Compared to manual testing, these tools offer greater efficiency and accuracy — and their performance keeps improving through machine learning.

As a result, demand for manual software testing roles is expected to decline significantly.

3. Customer service representatives

Traditional customer support roles that handle repetitive requests and provide standardized responses are at risk. Advanced chatbots and virtual assistants equipped with natural language processing can now engage in meaningful conversations with customers and efficiently resolve common issues.

These AI-driven systems operate around the clock, providing immediate responses and managing multiple interactions simultaneously. Their cost-effectiveness and constant availability make them an attractive alternative to traditional customer support.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects customer service representative employment will decline by 5% from 2023 to 2033.

4. Telemarketers

Telemarketing roles are on the brink of extinction as AI-driven chatbots and automated marketing systems revolutionize customer outreach. With the ability to engage customers effectively and efficiently, AI solutions are gradually replacing the need for human telemarketers.

Companies are embracing these technological advancements, and the result is a shrinking demand for traditional telemarketing positions.

5. Fast food workers

Fast food workers are facing an uncertain future as restaurants increasingly turn to automation. Many establishments have already implemented self-service ordering terminals, signaling a shift toward further automation in the kitchen.

In the United States, some companies have begun adopting robot technology to handle tasks like burger flipping and sandwich assembly. It's possible that fast food chains could eventually operate with minimal human staff, relying primarily on robots to prepare and serve orders.

6. Administrative and legal support positions

Automation and digital tools are taking on tasks traditionally handled by legal administrative staff and paralegals — like document preparation, scheduling, and basic contract review.

While complex legal work still requires human judgment, the refinement of automation over the next decade will further reduce the need for human involvement in routine administrative legal tasks. Legal firms can actually gain a competitive edge by implementing these foundational approaches, freeing up their human staff to focus on higher-value work.

7. Outbound sales agents

Outbound sales agents play a crucial role in contacting prospective customers and promoting products or services. They use various strategies like presenting time-sensitive deals and employing persuasive techniques to drive sales.

While AI won't completely eliminate sales professionals, it's likely to take over some responsibilities traditionally handled by outbound sales agents. Advanced AI technology enables companies to automate sales pitches and deliver them whenever a potential customer answers the phone. AI tools can also engage with prospects and potentially improve conversion rates.

The human touch will remain important for complex sales situations — but routine outreach is increasingly automated.

8. Drivers

Drivers face significant disruption due to the advancement of autonomous vehicles and drone delivery systems. Roles like taxi drivers, truck drivers, and delivery drivers are increasingly at risk of being replaced by automated counterparts.

That said, the timeline for full automation is longer than many predicted. According to McKinsey's latest analysis, large-scale robotaxi rollout is now expected globally by 2030, with fully autonomous trucking reaching viability around 2032 — both later than previously forecasted.

Companies like Waymo and Tesla are making strides, with robotaxis already operating in select U.S. cities. But industry experts acknowledge that autonomous trucking won't fully replace human drivers for several decades. The transition will likely be gradual, with a hybrid approach of human and autonomous drivers becoming the near-term reality.

The bigger picture: how AI is changing work

AI isn't just affecting the eight jobs listed above. It's transforming how work gets done across nearly every industry.

According to a CNBC survey of HR leaders, 89% expect AI to impact jobs at their companies in 2026. And 67% say it's already having a significant effect — automating tasks, changing daily workflows, and reshaping entire roles.

Here's what's happening across different sectors:

• Finance and banking: AI is automating fraud detection, risk assessment, and even trading. Entry-level analyst roles are particularly vulnerable.
• Healthcare: While demand for nurses and caregivers is growing, AI is taking over tasks like medical transcription, diagnostic imaging analysis, and administrative work.
• Retail: Self-checkout, inventory management, and personalized marketing are increasingly AI-driven. Cashier employment is projected to decline by 11% by 2033.
• Manufacturing: Predictive maintenance and quality control are now handled by AI systems. The sector has already lost 1.7 million routine jobs to automation since 2000.
• Professional services: Accounting, auditing, and even some legal research tasks are being automated. Gartner predicts that by 2026, 20% of organizations will use AI to flatten their structure — eliminating more than half of middle management positions.

The common thread? AI handles repetitive, data-heavy work best. It's less effective at tasks requiring creativity, emotional intelligence, complex judgment, and human connection.

Why this matters for your career

Here's the reality: nobody can predict exactly how this will unfold. The technology is moving fast, and companies are still figuring out how to use it. Some experts say AI will create more jobs than it destroys. Others warn about significant displacement, especially for entry-level workers trying to build experience.

What we do know is that standing still isn't an option. The World Economic Forum estimates that 39% of workers' core skills will need to change by 2030. That's not a distant future — it's less than four years away.

The workers who thrive will be those who stay curious, keep learning, and position themselves where human skills matter most. The ones who struggle will be those who assume their current job will look the same in five years.

What this means for you

If your job is on this list, it doesn't mean the game is over. Now that you're aware of these trends, you have time to build a strategy — whether that's upskilling, reskilling, or making a career pivot toward a future-proof path.

Here's what you can do:

• Identify transferable skills. Many of the skills you've developed — communication, problem-solving, attention to detail — translate well to growing fields.
• Learn tech fundamentals. Basic AI literacy, data analysis, and digital tools are becoming essential across industries.
• Focus on human-centered skills. Creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex decision-making are harder to automate and will remain in demand.
• Explore growing fields. Roles in renewable energy, healthcare technology, AI development, and cybersecurity are all projected to expand.

The World Economic Forum estimates that 85% of employers plan to prioritize upskilling their workforce between now and 2030. Take advantage of learning opportunities — your future self will thank you.

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